Sudan's involvement in the Tigray conflict close to the border with Ethiopia is under scrutiny.
In the complex landscape of Horn of Africa politics, the relationship between Ethiopia and Sudan remains strained, primarily due to disputes over the Al-Fashaga border region. Sudan accuses Ethiopia of backing militias in this contested area, alleging these Ethiopian-supported forces expelled Sudanese farmers and cleared land under military protection around July 2025 [1].
However, there is no clear evidence that Sudan supports Tigrayan forces near the border. Instead, regional dynamics are complicated by Eritrea’s influence across Sudan and Ethiopia’s border areas, particularly in eastern Sudan, where Eritrea provides training and support to various armed groups [2]. This involvement is part of a broader strategic effort to maintain internal unity and regional influence.
Ethiopia, on the other hand, is exercising restraint militarily, opting for a long-term diplomatic strategy rather than direct confrontation over Al-Fashaga. The aim is to consolidate national security and regional influence through diplomacy instead of military escalation [1].
Sudan’s internal conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) also shapes its capacity and priorities in external relations. The ongoing internal war may limit Sudan’s engagement in other regional disputes or in support to foreign armed groups [4].
Officials from both countries have expressed concerns over each other's actions. Ethiopia has criticized reports that the Sudanese military provides logistical support to Tigrayan fighters near the border, while Sudanese officials have accused Ethiopia of exploiting Sudan’s internal conflict [1].
The citizenship granted to Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) fighters by Sudan could be seen as a political move in the ongoing regional power struggle. The deployment of Tigrayan fighters in Sudanese territories could potentially threaten Ethiopian security, especially since relations with the TPLF remain fragile despite peace agreements [5].
The Al-Fashaga region is a point of contention between the two countries, with both claiming ownership. Ethiopian farmers live in the region with support from Addis Ababa, and Ethiopia sees this as a threat because of the fragile state of its relations with the TPLF [6].
In a recent development, Ethiopian Intelligence Director Redwan Hussein met with Sudan’s Sovereignty Council Chairman Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the Director of the General Intelligence Service in Port Sudan to discuss the matter [3]. The Sudanese government has not publicly acknowledged granting citizenship to TPLF fighters, but Port Sudan's support for Tigray fighters has changed regional alliances.
As the situation continues to evolve, both countries will need to navigate these complex issues carefully to maintain stability in the region.
References:
- Africa News
- International Crisis Group
- Reuters
- Al Jazeera
- BBC News
- Voice of America
- The politics of migration and war-and-conflicts in the Horn of Africa are significantly influenced by the strained relationship between Ethiopia and Sudan over the Al-Fashaga border region, which has been a source of general news due to ongoing disputes and allegations of militia support from both sides.
- The diplomatic strategies of Ethiopia and Sudan, surrounding the Al-Fashaga region, are not only shaped by their own internal conflicts but also by external factors such as Eritrea's influence and regional power struggles, as witnessed by the citizenship granted to Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) fighters by Sudan, potentially threatening Ethiopian security.
