Egypt expels Ethiopian diplomat as tensions deepen
Egypt has expelled an Ethiopian diplomat after Ethiopia ordered an Egyptian official to leave the country.
The Egypt-Ethiopia diplomatic dispute comes amid growing tensions between the two countries over the Nile and regional security.
Egypt declared the Ethiopian diplomat persona non grata on Thursday. The diplomat was given 48 hours to leave the country.
Africanews, citing agencies and local media, reported that Cairo described its decision as a reciprocal measure.
Egypt-Ethiopia diplomatic dispute escalates
An Egyptian source quoted by local media described Ethiopia’s earlier decision as “regrettable and unjustified.”
The source said Egypt’s response was taken in line with the principle of reciprocity.
Addis Ababa has not publicly explained why it expelled the Egyptian diplomat.
The Egyptian source also rejected suggestions of interference in Ethiopia’s internal affairs.
The source said Cairo avoids commenting on internal developments in other countries.
Nile dam remains major source of tension
The diplomatic dispute comes amid a long-running disagreement over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
Ethiopia built the massive hydroelectric dam on the Blue Nile.
Egypt has repeatedly raised concerns about the project and its potential impact on the country’s Nile water supply.
The dam has been a major source of tension between Egypt and Ethiopia for years.
However, the latest dispute also comes as regional security tensions increase.
Ethiopia accuses Egypt of backing TPLF
Ethiopia has accused Egypt, Sudan and Eritrea of supporting the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).
The TPLF recently launched a major assault against Ethiopian government forces, according to the supplied report.
Egypt has not publicly responded to Ethiopia’s allegation.
Sudan, meanwhile, has denied the accusation.
The claims come as fighting continues in Ethiopia’s Tigray region.
Regional tensions continue to grow
Relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea have also deteriorated.
On Thursday, the two countries severed diplomatic ties. They accused each other of supporting internal conflicts.
Meanwhile, Egypt has strengthened its relationship with Eritrea in recent months.
The developments add another layer of tension to the Egypt-Ethiopia diplomatic dispute.
The disagreement now involves the Nile dam, diplomatic expulsions and wider regional security concerns.