ADDIS ABABA — Ethiopia on Tuesday rejected what it described as “baseless accusations” by Sudanese officials, as tensions rise between the two neighbours amid Sudan’s ongoing conflict.
In a statement issued by the foreign ministry, Addis Ababa dismissed claims made during a recent joint press conference by representatives of the Sudanese Armed Forces and government, saying they lacked credibility and risked further destabilising relations.
While reaffirming what it called a “historic and enduring bond of friendship” between the peoples of Ethiopia and Sudan, the statement accused actors involved in Sudan’s war of engaging in activities that threaten Ethiopia’s territorial integrity and national security.
Ethiopia alleged that fighters linked to the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) have been operating within the Sudanese conflict, and claimed that Sudanese forces had provided them with arms and financial support. It said such backing had enabled cross-border incursions and heightened insecurity along Ethiopia’s western frontier.
The government further accused Sudan of becoming “a hub for various anti-Ethiopian forces,” suggesting that these developments were being driven, at least in part, by external actors seeking to advance their own strategic interests in the Horn of Africa.
“It is evident that these hostile actions, as well as the recent and earlier series of allegations by officials of the Sudanese Armed Forces, are undertaken at the behest of external patrons seeking to advance their own nefarious agenda,” the statement said.
Despite the sharp tone, Ethiopia struck a conciliatory note toward the Sudanese population, expressing solidarity during what it described as a period of “immense hardship.” It emphasised that there could be no military solution to Sudan’s conflict, which has drawn in multiple armed factions and triggered a severe humanitarian crisis.
Addis Ababa called for an immediate humanitarian truce to allow the delivery of aid, followed by a sustained and verifiable ceasefire. It also urged all parties to engage in an “independent, inclusive and transparent civilian-led dialogue” aimed at restoring constitutional order, rebuilding state institutions and achieving long-term stability.
The statement did not directly respond to specific allegations made by Sudanese officials but warned that continued escalation and mutual recriminations could undermine regional security and complicate diplomatic efforts.
Relations between Ethiopia and Sudan have been strained in recent years by disputes over their shared border and mutual accusations of supporting rival armed groups. Analysts say the latest exchange of accusations risks deepening mistrust at a time when the wider region faces overlapping security and political crises.
Ethiopia reiterated its readiness to support peaceful initiatives and regional mediation efforts, calling on all stakeholders to prioritise dialogue over confrontation.
