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 meetings, programs, or activities since rejoining in 2023.
This withdrawal occurs amidst increasing diplomatic tensions between Eritrea and neighboring Ethiopia. Since 2023, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has advocated for Ethiopia to gain access to the Red Sea, prompting objections from Asmara. Eritrea achieved independence from Ethiopia in 1993, rendering Ethiopia landlocked. Ethiopian officials have publicly questioned the recognition of Eritrean sovereignty in discussions regarding sea access.
Eritrea had previously departed from Igad in 2007 during a border dispute with Ethiopia, rejoining in 2023. The two nations share a history of conflict, including a war that resulted in over 100,000 casualties, which concluded with a peace agreement in 2018, for which Prime Minister Abiy received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019.
Historically, Eritrea has faced accusations of interfering in the internal affairs of Igad member countries, allegations Eritrea has consistently denied, instead accusing its neighbors of aligning with Western powers. Igad, at Ethiopia's instigation, previously sought sanctions against Eritrea from the African Union and UN Security Council. Additionally, Eritrea severed diplomatic relations with Djibouti, the host of Igad's headquarters, following a 2009 border dispute. The current head of Igad is Workneh Gebyehu, a former Ethiopian Foreign Minister.
Igad has faced scrutiny regarding its effectiveness in promoting stability and regional integration within the Horn of Africa, a region characterized by various conflicts.