Ethiopia on Tuesday rejected allegations made by Sudanese military officials as "baseless accusations," while urging dialogue and a ceasefire to resolve Sudan's ongoing civil war that has increasingly strained relations between the Horn of Africa neighbors.
The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement dismissing claims raised during a joint press conference involving the Sudanese Armed Forces, foreign minister, and military spokesperson. The ministry characterized the allegations as unfounded but did not specify their exact nature.
"The peoples of Ethiopia and Sudan share a historic and enduring bond of friendship," the statement said, adding that Addis Ababa had exercised restraint despite what it called > "grave violations" of its territorial integrity and national security linked to the Sudanese civil war.
Ethiopia countered with its own allegations, accusing elements within Sudan of facilitating hostile activities along its western border, including alleged support for fighters associated with the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). The ministry claimed there was > "ample and credible evidence" that Sudan has been used as a hub for anti-Ethiopian forces.
The Ethiopian statement alleged that arms and financial backing had been provided to such groups, enabling incursions into Ethiopian territory. The ministry did not provide specific details to support these claims. Sudan has not immediately responded to the Ethiopian statement.
The diplomatic exchange highlights how Sudan's civil war continues to strain regional relationships. The conflict erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, displacing millions and destabilizing the broader region.
Tensions between the two neighbors have been heightened by the ongoing fighting in Sudan, with Ethiopia facing refugee flows and cross-border security challenges as central authority in Khartoum has collapsed.
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Despite the mutual accusations, Ethiopia emphasized its commitment to regional stability and called for a peaceful resolution to Sudan's crisis. The ministry stressed that > "There is no military solution to the crisis," urging an immediate humanitarian truce followed by a sustained ceasefire and an > "inclusive, civilian-led dialogue" to restore stability.
Ethiopia added that such a process would be essential to achieving durable peace and the return of civilian governance in Sudan. The ministry said it remained committed to solidarity with the Sudanese people despite the diplomatic dispute.
The timing of the exchange comes as Sudan's conflict approaches its second year, with the war having created ripple effects across the Horn of Africa. Neighboring countries have struggled to manage the spillover effects while protecting their own security interests.
The breakdown of effective governance in Sudan has complicated normal diplomatic channels for resolving cross-border issues, making disputes like this more likely to escalate into public exchanges rather than being handled through traditional bilateral mechanisms.
Ethiopia's emphasis on civilian-led dialogue aligns with international calls for democratic governance to be restored in Sudan, though the prospects for such a transition remain uncertain given the intensity of the ongoing fighting between the warring factions.
