Eritrea has withdrawn from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the East African regional bloc, accusing it of failing to fulfill its mandate and contributing little to regional stability.
The announcement came Friday, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the Algiers Agreement that ended a devastating border war with Ethiopia. Tensions between the two neighbors have risen in recent months, with disputes over Red Sea access fueling mutual accusations.
In a statement, Eritrea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the country had formally notified IGAD’s executive secretary of its decision to withdraw. It described the bloc as having “forfeited its legal mandate and authority” and offering “no discernible strategic benefit” to members.
“IGAD has and continues to renege on its statutory obligations thereby undermining its own relevance and legal mandate,” the statement said. It added that the organization had played a “deleterious role” since 2005, particularly against Eritrea.
Eritrea, which helped revitalize IGAD after gaining independence in 1993, suspended its membership in 2007 amid disputes with Ethiopia. It rejoined in June 2023 following a summit of heads of state, but has not participated in any meetings, programs or activities since then.
IGAD Expresses Regret
IGAD’s secretariat in Djibouti expressed regret over the decision, noting Eritrea’s lack of engagement since rejoining.
“The Organisation has consistently remained open to dialogue,” IGAD said in a statement Saturday. It regretted that the withdrawal came without proposals for reforms and urged Eritrea to reconsider and rejoin “in good faith” to advance peace and development in the region.
Established in 1996, IGAD includes eight members: Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda. The bloc aims to promote cooperation on peace, security and economic integration in the Horn of Africa.
Analysts note that IGAD’s founding treaty lacks a formal withdrawal clause, meaning Eritrea’s move is effectively a self-imposed suspension similar to its 2007 action.
Ties to Ethiopia Tensions
The timing of the withdrawal underscores strained relations with Ethiopia. Friday marked 25 years since the Algiers Agreement ended the 1998-2000 border war that killed tens of thousands.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged both countries to recommit to the pact amid “renewed tensions” that could threaten regional peace.
“The Secretary-General urges Eritrea and Ethiopia to recommit to the vision of lasting peace and the respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty,” a U.N. spokesperson said.
Relations briefly improved in 2018 with a peace deal that earned Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed the Nobel Peace Prize. But ties have deteriorated, with Eritrea accusing Ethiopia of coveting its port of Assab and Ethiopia claiming Eritrea is preparing for war and supporting armed groups.
Ethiopia, landlocked since Eritrea’s independence, has repeatedly asserted the need for Red Sea access, describing it as existential. Officials have referenced Assab, located near the border, prompting sharp rebukes from Asmara.
Regional Concerns
Eritrea’s exit could further hamper IGAD’s efforts to address ongoing crises, including conflicts in Sudan and Somalia.
Regional observers worry the move reflects deeper frustrations but risks isolating Eritrea at a time of heightened instability in the Horn of Africa.
