Eritrea has formally withdrawn from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), accusing the regional bloc of failing to uphold its mandate and of acting against the interests of some member states. The announcement was made in a statement released on Friday, December 12, 2025, by Eritrea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to the statement, Asmara said its decision was driven by what it described as IGAD’s persistent failure to meet its statutory obligations, along with a loss of institutional credibility and neutrality. Eritrea argued that the organization no longer plays a meaningful role in promoting peace, stability, or regional cooperation in the Horn of Africa.
The Eritrean government noted that it was among the founding members that helped revitalize IGAD in 1993 and had worked with other states to advance regional integration and stability. However, it said the bloc’s direction shifted in 2005, alleging that IGAD became “a tool against targeted member states,” particularly Eritrea. These concerns led Asmara to suspend its membership in 2007 during heightened tensions with Ethiopia.
Eritrea rejoined IGAD in June 2023, expressing hope that the organization would undertake reforms and correct what it viewed as past failures. The foreign ministry said those expectations were not met, adding that IGAD continued to undermine its own relevance and legal authority. “Eritrea finds itself compelled to withdraw its membership from an organization that has forfeited its legal mandate and authority,” the statement said.
The withdrawal comes amid renewed diplomatic tensions between Eritrea and Ethiopia, including disputes related to Ethiopia’s calls for access to the Red Sea. Eritrean officials have also long accused IGAD of lacking neutrality and of aligning too closely with Ethiopia, a claim the bloc has previously rejected. Strained relations with Djibouti, where IGAD is headquartered, were also cited as complicating Eritrea’s engagement.
In response, IGAD said it regrets Eritrea’s decision to leave the organization. The bloc noted that since rejoining in 2023, Eritrea had not actively participated in IGAD meetings, programs, or activities, and said it remained open to dialogue and reform efforts.
IGAD, which includes Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, and Djibouti, was established to promote regional stability, development, and food security. Eritrea’s exit marks the second time it has withdrawn from the bloc, underscoring ongoing divisions and challenges facing regional cooperation in the Horn of Africa.
