Eritrea Announces Withdrawal from IGAD, Citing Long-Standing Grievances

ASMARA, Eritrea — Eritrea has formally notified the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) that it is withdrawing from the regional bloc, the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Friday.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said its decision was driven by what it described as IGAD’s persistent failure to meet its obligations and its alleged misuse of the organization against certain member states, particularly Eritrea.

Eritrea stated that it had played a “pivotal role” in revitalizing IGAD in 1993 and had collaborated with other member states to promote regional peace, stability, and economic integration.

However, the statement stated that IGAD’s direction began to shift in 2005, accusing the bloc of becoming “a tool against targeted Member States.” Those concerns led Eritrea to suspend its membership in 2007.

Asmara reactivated its membership in June 2023, saying it hoped IGAD would undertake reforms and correct what Eritrea described as past missteps. “Regrettably, IGAD has and continues to renege on its statutory obligations,” the ministry said, arguing that the body had undermined its own relevance and legal mandate.

The statement said Eritrea was “compelled to withdraw” from an organization it believes no longer serves the interests of its member states or contributes meaningfully to regional stability.

IGAD said it regrets Eritrea’s Decision to withdraw from the Organisation.

GAROWE ONLINE