Sudan has formally recalled its ambassador to Ethiopia for consultations, diplomatic sources confirmed on May 5, 2026, after Khartoum accused Addis Ababa of allowing its territory to be used in a drone attack targeting Sudan’s main international airport.
The attack struck Khartoum International Airport in late April, causing material damage to runway infrastructure and temporarily disrupting flight operations. Sudanese authorities pointed the finger at Ethiopian soil, triggering the most serious diplomatic breach between the two neighbours in years.
“Ethiopia’s territory was used to launch the aggression against our airport, and we hold the Ethiopian government responsible,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in an official statement. “We have therefore decided to recall our ambassador to Ethiopia for consultations.”
Roots of a Complicated Relationship
Sudan and Ethiopia share a long and contested border, stretching over 700 kilometres. For decades, the two countries have vied for influence along the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia, under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, has pursued an ambitious regional expansion strategy, most notably through the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) project.
“This is not a one-off incident,” said Dr. Youssef Ibrahim of the African Centre for Strategic Studies in Nairobi. “The attack fits a pattern of Ethiopian pressure tactics that have been escalating for months.”
The Airport Attack
At least two unmanned aerial vehicles struck the primary runway and an auxiliary taxiway at Khartoum International Airport on April 28. No casualties were reported, but operations were suspended for 48 hours. Flights were diverted to Port Sudan.
Ethiopian officials have not commented directly on the attack. The United Arab Emirates denied any role after unconfirmed reports suggested UAE-supplied equipment signatures.
Sudan’s Fragile Position
The ruling Transitional Sovereignty Council is managing simultaneous negotiations with the Rapid Support Forces while maintaining relationships with key regional partners including Egypt, the UAE, and various Western powers.
“Khartoum needs every diplomatic friend it can get right now,” noted a UN special envoy briefing document. “Losing Ethiopia as a neighbour worth negotiating with is a significant setback.”
What Comes Next
Sudan’s weakened state means Khartoum is unlikely to push beyond the symbolic stage without substantive international backing. For now, the Horn of Africa has one more flashpoint to add to an already crowded map of instability.