Relations between Ethiopia and Sudan have deteriorated following mutual accusations of border attacks. Sudan, embroiled in a civil war since 2023, denounces incursions by Ethiopian forces. Ethiopia, for its part, is dealing with several internal insurgencies and accuses Sudan of carrying out cross-border attacks. The conflict threatens to further destabilize an already volatile region.
Drones and satellite surveillance: the technology behind the borders 🛰️
The use of reconnaissance drones and satellite monitoring systems has intensified in the border area. Both countries employ open-source technology to track military movements, although accuracy remains limited. Commercial satellite imagery, accessible on digital platforms, allows external analysts to verify some incursions, but the lack of bilateral agreements prevents effective data exchange.
The diplomacy of you accuse me and I accuse you too 🤷
It seems both governments have adopted the same strategy: blaming the neighbor to avoid looking at their own problems. While Sudan is distracted by external accusations, its internal factions continue to fight. Ethiopia, for its part, uses the conflict to divert attention from its insurgencies. In the end, the only winner is whoever sells maps of the border, which change every week.