Ethiopia’s accusations against neighbours raise regional stakes

Ethiopia’s army chief, Birhanu Jula, accused Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt of supporting armed opposition groups amid renewed fighting across Tigray, Amhara and Afar. He alleged Eritrea was linking outside powers with armed groups inside Ethiopia. The three governments rejected the accusations.

The claims were reported by Al Jazeera, which also quoted Sudan’s military calling “baseless” Ethiopia’s alleged support for Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Ethiopia has denied backing the paramilitary group, which has fought Sudan’s armed forces since 2023.

The accusations add to existing regional disputes. Ethiopia and Egypt remain at odds over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, while Sudan has repeatedly accused Ethiopia of assisting the RSF. Eritrea fought alongside Ethiopia in the 2020–22 Tigray war, but relations have since deteriorated amid Eritrean concern about Ethiopia’s efforts to gain Red Sea access.

Some analysts and Ethiopian opposition figures said the claims could shift attention from domestic crises. A seven-group opposition alliance was announced last week, according to Al Jazeera’s reporting.

Analyst Ammar Arki warned that reciprocal allegations could increase the risk of conflict spreading beyond Ethiopia’s borders. The available reporting does not independently substantiate the claims of foreign support, and regional spillover remains a concern rather than an established outcome.