At the core of the border tension between Sudan and Ethiopia is a move by Sudanese troops in December to wrest back control of border enclaves inside Sudan.
The disputed areas had long been settled by farmers from Ethiopia’s powerful Amhara group who are attracted by the fertility of the soil in the area.
The farmers enjoyed the protection of federal forces and allied militias.
Sudan has since vowed to retake other border enclaves held by the Amhara, while Ethiopia said it will not negotiate with Sudan unless it pulls out from the enclaves it retook.
Khartoum has rejected that condition and vowed to regain control of other areas still held by the Amhara militias and farmers.