Eritrea expels Sudanese diplomat Khalid Abbas from country

Eritrea has expelled Sudanese Charge d'Affaires Khalid Abbas, giving him 72 hours to leave Asmara without providing reasons.

This unexpected move has raised concerns about its implications for regional alliances, especially as relations between the Sudanese military government and one of its key allies, Eritrea, deteriorate.

The Eritrean government has supported the Sudanese army since the outbreak of the war between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April of last year.

The expulsion comes at a time when Sudan and Ethiopia are improving relations following Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's visit to Port Sudan.

Previously, Sudanese military leaders had criticised Ethiopia for allegedly backing the RSF, but signs of reconciliation with Addis Ababa have recently emerged.

Asmara's decision also coincides with a visit by traditional leaders from eastern Sudan, where Eritrea plays a significant role due to cultural ties.

Social media recently showed Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki with these leaders, hinting at efforts to mediate regional tensions.

Eritrea's relationship with Abiy Ahmed's administration has deteriorated to the point that the Eritrean government is taking actions that affect Ethiopia as a country.

On Wednesday, the Eritrean government announced that it has suspended all Ethiopian Airlines flights to and from Eritrea as of September 30, 2024, alleging that Ethiopian Airlines is engaged in "malicious" business practices, including theft of passengers' luggage and price hikes.

Eritrea's announcement came less than a week after Ethiopian Airlines was accused of "removing" two passengers from a Nairobi-bound Ethiopian Airlines plane in Addis Ababa.