May 5, 2026
Sudan recalls ambassador to Ethiopia after accusing it of drone attacksdrone attacks
Sudan's government accused Ethiopia of launching drone strikes on Sudanese territory, including attacks on Khartoum and central areas that killed civilians, and recalled its ambassador to Addis Ababa in response. The accusation marks an escalation in Sudan's nearly three-year civil war, as the army-backed government also blamed the United Arab Emirates of involvement, while Ethiopia denies the allegations and accuses Sudan of supporting Ethiopian rebels.
Sudanese Government Position
Sudan's military-aligned government views the drone attacks as a direct violation of its sovereignty and an act of aggression by Ethiopia. Officials have stated that drones were launched from Ethiopian territory, striking civilian and military targets including Khartoum airport, and have warned Ethiopia of consequences while reserving the right to defend Sudanese territory. The government also accuses the UAE of complicity through arms shipments to the Rapid Support Forces via Ethiopia.
Ethiopian Government Position
Ethiopia's Foreign Ministry completely rejects Sudan's accusations as false claims designed to obscure what Addis Ababa characterizes as Sudan's support for and recruitment of Ethiopian rebels, particularly from the Tigray region. Ethiopia maintains its stated neutrality in Sudan's conflict and has summoned Sudan's ambassador to formally deny involvement in the drone strikes.
Regional Analysis
Observers note that tensions between Sudan and Ethiopia have evolved beyond rhetorical exchanges into what resembles an undeclared confrontation, with reports of drone-caused displacement in Sudan's Blue Nile state and alleged sightings of Ethiopian military units in Gezira state. Both countries appear to be employing a strategy of political escalation while avoiding formal open conflict, reflecting how each nation's internal conflicts are being weaponized against the other amid growing regional use of drone technology.
- Ethiopia and Sudan share a 1,600-kilometer border and have a history of territorial disputes dating back decades, complicating current accusations.
- Drone technology has become increasingly prevalent in African conflicts, with multiple regional actors acquiring unmanned systems in recent years.
- The Tigray region, cited in cross-accusations, experienced a devastating conflict from 2020-2022 that displaced millions and left deep regional tensions.
Sudan Civil War and Ethiopia Tensions
Sudan faces an ongoing civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), with fighting concentrated in Khartoum and other regions.
2023 April 15
Civil war breaks out with SAF-RSF clashes in Khartoum.2022-2023
Integration talks between SAF and RSF collapse over command merger.
