Ethiopia–Eritrea Diplomatic Break: Ethiopia and Eritrea severed ties as fighting in northern Ethiopia escalates, with Addis Ababa closing its Asmara embassy and expelling 10 Eritrean diplomats; Eritrea retaliated in kind, while Ethiopia also expelled an Egyptian diplomat in a tit-for-tat row. Northern Conflict Update: Pro-government forces say they’ve pushed Tigray rebels back, including claims of capturing a strategic town near Mekelle, as fears grow that the Tigray conflict could spill into a wider regional war. Addis Ababa Security Shock: Explosions were reported near Ethiopia’s military headquarters in Addis Ababa amid a drone ban around the capital, adding to uncertainty over who is behind the blasts. Diplomacy Beyond the Crisis: Ethiopia and Libya moved to rebuild a bilateral channel through renewed ministerial committee preparations, aiming to regularize cooperation on security, migration, and economic ties. Tech & Education: Ethiopia is expanding AI use and applied research, with plans to strengthen legal support for startups and grow digital learning in schools. Arts & Culture Spotlight: Ethiopia’s Irreecha celebrations drew a unity-focused message from Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh, framing the festival as thanksgiving and a bridge from diversity to shared national strength.