The Sudanese government has closed the Gallabat border crossing with Ethiopia in the southeast of the country on security grounds.

The closure comes amid clashes and violence in Ethiopia's Gondar region. The Khartoum government has cited the security situation in Ethiopia as the reason for the closure.

Sudan had previously closed the Gallabat border crossing on June 26, 2022 following tensions with Ethiopia over security violations at the border. The crossing was reopened 3 weeks later.

The closure of the Gallabat border crossing is a further setback to relations between Sudan and Ethiopia. The two countries have been locked in a dispute over the border region of Al-Fashaga since 2020.

The dispute has led to clashes between Sudanese and Ethiopian forces, and has displaced thousands of people.

The closure of the Gallabat border crossing is likely to have a negative impact on trade between Sudan and Ethiopia. The two countries are major trading partners, and the closure of the border crossing will make it more difficult for goods to move between the two countries. (ILKHA)