Eritrea has formally withdrawn its membership from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) bloc.
In a communique dated Friday, December 12, Eritrea, through its foreign ministry, said IGAD had strayed from its founding principles and failed to contribute to regional stability.
“Over time, and especially since 2005, IGAD has failed to meet the aspirations of the peoples of the region,” the ministry said.
The withdrawal comes amid tensions between Eritrea and neighbouring Ethiopia, leading to fears of renewed armed conflict.
Eritrea had suspended its IGAD membership in 2007 but rejoined in June 2023 with hopes for reforms in the bloc.
Meanwhile, IGAD has expressed regret over Eritrea’s decision to withdraw from the regional bloc as communicated through a formal Note Verbale to the IGAD Secretariat.
In a statement, IGAD recalled that Eritrea had self-suspended its participation in the Organisation for nearly two decades before formally rejoining following the 14th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government held in June 2023.
The bloc noted that Eritrea was unanimously and warmly welcomed back by all Member States, reflecting a collective commitment to inclusivity, regional solidarity, and renewed cooperation.
“Since June 2023, IGAD notes with regret that Eritrea has not participated in IGAD meetings, programmes, or activities. Throughout this period, the Secretariat has exercised patience and goodwill, while remaining open and available for constructive engagement,” read the statement in part.
IGAD regretted that the decision to withdraw was taken without the submission of tangible proposals or engagement on specific institutional or policy reforms.
The Secretariat affirmed its ongoing commitment to reach out to Eritrea and encouraged the country to reconsider its position to advance shared regional objectives for stability and development.
“In this spirit, the IGAD Secretariat will continue its outreach to the Government of the State of Eritrea and encourages it to reconsider its position and to fully rejoin the Organisation in good faith, in order to advance shared objectives for peace, stability, and development across the region,” IGAD added.
