NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Ethiopia has expelled six staff members of Sudan’s consulate in Assosa, a western city near the Sudanese border, and ordered the mission closed, Ethiopian and Sudanese officials said, another sign of frayed ties between the two African countries.
The action comes amid Sudan's accusations that drones attacking its infrastructure are being launched from Ethiopian territory.
The latest expulsions follow Ethiopia's decision to kick out 10 Eritrean diplomats and close its embassy in Eritrea on Oct. 1. Eritrea responded by severing diplomatic ties. Ethiopia also expelled an Egyptian diplomat last month. Relations with Egypt have long been strained over Ethiopia’s massive dam on the Blue Nile, which Cairo fears could threaten its water supplies.
An Ethiopian intelligence official said the six Sudanese consular staff were given 48 hours to leave the country. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the press.
A Sudanese official corroborated the expulsions, adding that Ethiopian authorities had summoned Sudan’s ambassador on Sunday to announce the consulate’s closure. He said the staff departed Tuesday evening and spoke on condition of anonymity because he did not want to escalate the diplomatic dispute.
Neither official provided a specific reason for the decision. Sudan’s ambassador to Ethiopia declined to comment. Ethiopia’s Foreign Ministry had not publicly announced these latest measures, unlike last month’s expulsions.
Sudan’s Foreign Ministry said Saturday that drones used in attacks by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces on the country’s electricity infrastructure were supplied by the United Arab Emirates and launched from Ethiopia. The ministry said it submitted official complaints against the Ethiopian government at the U.N. Security Council and the African Union's Peace and Security Council.
Both Ethiopia and the UAE have repeatedly denied arming the RSF, a group accused of committing atrocities in Sudan's war including crimes amounting to genocide and crimes against humanity.
Drone strikes on electricity substations in the northern Sudanese towns of Al-Dabbah and Abu Hamad knocked out power Sunday. Sudan’s government and the rights group Emergency Lawyers blamed the RSF. The wider campaign has disrupted electricity and water supplies and threatened essential medical services.
Ethiopia’s Foreign Ministry rejected similar Sudanese accusations in a May 5 statement, calling them baseless, and accused Sudan of supporting rebels in its northern Tigray region.
In this photo released by Ethiopia Prime Minister's Office, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed participates in military training exercises alongside government officials at the Hurso Military Training Centre in Ethiopia, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026. (Ethiopia Prime Minister's Office via AP)
Abdel-Fattah al-Burhan, president of the Transitional Sovereign Council of Sudan, speaks with Russia's President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa summit at the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow, Friday, Oct. 30, 2026. (Maxim Shipenkov/Pool Photo via AP)
ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — Detroit Lions All-Pro linebacker Jack Campbell said he has full movement in his lower body and is “continuing to make progress with movement in my upper body," in his first comments since he was carted off the field on a backboard during a game against Minnesota.
“I know there’s still work ahead, but I remain very optimistic,” Campbell said Wednesday in a statement released by the team. “I’m taking things one day at a time, staying positive, and focusing on getting better.”
Campbell suffered a neck injury early in the fourth quarter of a 19-15 win over the Vikings on Sunday. He was alert when he was taken to the hospital, where he has been recovering since his injury.
Lions coach Dan Campbell said it was powerful that Jack Campbell updated his improving condition himself, shortly before the team's previously scheduled news conferences with coaches and players.
“That’s good news. That’s positive news,” Dan Campbell said. “We’re all thankful for that.”
Jack Campbell was face down on the turf and not moving after hitting Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson. He was evaluated by medical personnel before being strapped to a board and carefully lifted onto the cart to a round of applause.
“I especially want to thank the athletic trainers and medical personnel who responded and cared for me on the field,” Jack Campbell said. “I know those were difficult moments, and I’m incredibly grateful for the professionalism, compassion, and care you showed me. The way you handled everything and looked after me when I needed it most is something I’ll never forget.”
The former Iowa star was drafted by the Lions with the 18th overall pick in 2023. Last season, he was an All-Pro selection after becoming the first NFL player in seven years to have 150-plus tackles and at least five sacks and three forced fumbles.
Jack Campbell's condition has been closely followed since Sunday, a fact that he has felt.
“My family and I want to sincerely thank everyone for the overwhelming amount of love, prayers, and support we’ve received over the past few days,” he said. “It means more to us than words can express.”
The Lions (5-2) play at Miami (1-6) on Sunday.
“The best thing we can do is play the way he would want us to play and honor him that way,” Lions quarterback Jared Goff said.
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Detroit Lions fans look at Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell as he is injured against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rey Del Rio)
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) walks near other players as medical staff help Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) lies injured against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) is taken off the field due to injury against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
