The Ethiopian government has publicly accused Sudan and Egypt of furnishing assistance to armed groups operating in the Tigray region, where fighting between federal forces and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) has intensified over recent weeks. Officials from Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said intelligence reports indicated the flow of weapons, logistical aid, and financial resources from both neighboring states to the rebels.
Addis Ababa's statements came after a series of skirmishes along the border with Sudan and renewed hostilities in the northern districts of Tigray. The Ethiopian authorities warned that external backing was prolonging the conflict and jeopardising regional stability. They called for an urgent meeting of the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to address what they described as “unlawful interference” in Ethiopia's internal affairs.
Sudan's government rejected the allegations, stating that it has no involvement in Ethiopia's internal conflict and that any reports of cross‑border support are unfounded. Sudanese officials emphasized that their own security forces are focused on managing refugee flows and preventing spill‑over violence from the Tigray front.
Egypt similarly dismissed the claims, noting that its diplomatic engagement with Ethiopia centers on the Nile water negotiations and that it does not engage in any form of military or logistical aid to rebel factions. Egyptian spokespeople underscored the importance of maintaining constructive dialogue to resolve the longstanding Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) dispute.
The accusations arrive at a time when the humanitarian situation in Tigray remains dire. United Nations agencies have warned of worsening food insecurity, displacement, and limited access to medical services as fighting disrupts supply routes. Both Sudan and Egypt have been urged by international bodies to cooperate with humanitarian efforts, though Addis Ababa insists that any external assistance must be transparent and not directed toward armed groups.
Regional analysts note that the allegations could further strain already tense relations among the three countries, especially given the overlapping interests in the Nile basin and border security. The Ethiopian government has indicated it may consider diplomatic or economic measures in response to what it perceives as hostile actions, while Sudan and Egypt are likely to seek to defuse the situation through multilateral channels.
No independent verification of the alleged support has been presented so far, and the claims remain contested. Observers continue to monitor the evolving dynamics, warning that escalation of accusations could impede ongoing peace talks aimed at ending the protracted conflict that began in 2020.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Al Jazeera — All News — original source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/9/28/ethiopia-accuses-sudan-egypt-of-backing-tigray-rebels-as-fighting-rages?traffic_source=rss.