Amid rising tension, Khartoum recalls its ambassador to Addis Ababa: Sudan has recalled its ambassador to Ethiopia over disagreements about how to resolve the nine-month conflict between Tigray separatists and the Ethiopian government, according to state news agency SUNA. The Sudanese foreign ministry said that it had taken the decision after Addis Ababa rejected its offer to mediate between the two sides, and that the ambassador would return upon the “completion of consultations.” The move comes amid escalating tensions between the neighbouring countries, driven by the dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and recent border clashes in the disputed Al Fashqa region.

Taliban militants captured two provincial capitals in Afghanistan over the weekend, prompting criticism of the US’ plan to withdraw its troops from the country at the end of the month, the Financial Times reports. The Taliban also assassinated the government’s head of media and attempted an attack on the defence minister, and observers have voiced concern over the further deterioration of human rights and a possible civil war if violence continues to escalate.