Eritrea has announced its withdrawal from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), an East African regional bloc. The Eritrean foreign ministry stated on Friday that IGAD had deviated from its foundational principles and had not contributed to regional stability, alleging the organization had become a mechanism against certain member states. In response, IGAD noted that Eritrea had not presented "tangible proposals" for reform nor actively participated in the organization's activities since rejoining in 2023. This withdrawal occurs amidst rising diplomatic tensions between Eritrea and neighboring Ethiopia, particularly concerning Ethiopia's stated desire for Red Sea access.
Eritrea's Stated Reasons for Withdrawal
On Friday, the Eritrean foreign ministry announced its decision to withdraw from IGAD. The ministry stated that Eritrea found itself "compelled to withdraw its membership from an organisation that has forfeited its legal mandate and authority; offering no discernible strategic benefit to all its constituencies." It further claimed that IGAD had deviated from its foundational principles, had not contributed to regional stability, and had become "a tool against" certain member states.
IGAD's Response
In response to Eritrea's announcement, IGAD stated that Eritrea had not submitted any "tangible proposals" for reform since its readmission in 2023. The organization also noted Eritrea's lack of active engagement in its meetings, programs, or activities during this period.
Context of Eritrea-Ethiopia Tensions
The withdrawal takes place amid increasing diplomatic tensions between Eritrea and Ethiopia. Since 2023, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has publicly advocated for Ethiopia to gain access to the Red Sea. Ethiopia became landlocked following Eritrea's independence in 1993, after a period of conflict. Ethiopian officials, including Prime Minister Abiy, have at times publicly questioned the recognition of Eritrean sovereignty in discussions concerning sea access.
Eritrea and Ethiopia share a history of conflict, including a war that resulted in over 100,000 casualties. This conflict concluded with a peace agreement in 2018, for which Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 for his efforts in normalizing relations with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki.
Historical Membership and Regional Relations
Eritrea had previously suspended its membership from IGAD in 2007 during a border dispute with Ethiopia, before rejoining the bloc in 2023.
Historically, Eritrea has faced accusations of interfering in the internal affairs of IGAD member countries, which Eritrea has consistently denied. Eritrea, in turn, has accused neighboring states of aligning with Western powers to destabilize it. IGAD, at Ethiopia's instigation, previously sought sanctions against Eritrea from the African Union and the UN Security Council.
Additionally, Eritrea severed diplomatic relations with Djibouti, the host nation for IGAD's headquarters, following a 2009 border dispute. The current head of IGAD is Workneh Gebeyehu, a former Ethiopian Foreign Minister.
IGAD's Structure and Perceived Effectiveness
IGAD has faced scrutiny regarding its effectiveness in promoting stability and regional integration within the Horn of Africa. The region is characterized by various internal conflicts, terrorism, and interstate confrontations.