NAIROBI, Kenya — In a significant regional development, Eritrea has formally announced its withdrawal from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), denouncing the East African bloc for allegedly acting against its national interests. The Eritrean foreign ministry issued a statement Friday asserting that IGAD had “forfeited its legal mandate and authority” while failing to deliver “discernible strategic benefit” or contribute meaningfully to regional stability.
This marks the second time Eritrea has exited the eight-nation coalition, having previously withdrawn in 2003 before rejoining just two years ago. IGAD responded by noting that Eritrea had remained largely inactive in regional activities since its return to the organization.
The withdrawal coincides with mounting international concern over deteriorating relations between Eritrea and neighboring Ethiopia. United Nations officials expressed alarm about renewed tensions between the two nations, which signed a historic peace agreement a quarter-century ago.
The core dispute centers on maritime access, with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed recently declaring it a “mistake” to have lost Red Sea access when Eritrea gained independence in 1993. Ethiopia has expressed intentions to peacefully secure port access through Eritrea, which previously served as Ethiopia’s primary trade corridor. Eritrean officials have interpreted these statements as provocative, accusing Ethiopia of maintaining a “long-brewing war agenda” aimed at seizing its strategic ports.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ office has urgently called for both nations to “recommit to the vision of lasting peace and the respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity,” specifically referencing the landmark Algiers Agreement that ended their devastating border conflict in 2000.
IGAD, comprising Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda alongside Eritrea, facilitates regional cooperation on trade, transportation, agriculture, and environmental policies. The organization’s effectiveness now faces renewed challenges amid these escalating diplomatic tensions.