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Eritrea withdraws from regional bloc Igad
Eritrea announced its departure from the East African bloc Igad on Friday, accusing the organization of abandoning its original mission and acting against member states' interests.
Accusations and response
In a statement, Eritrea's foreign ministry claimed Igad had "forfeited its legal mandate" and no longer provided strategic value to its members. The bloc, founded to foster regional stability and food security, includes Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, and Djibouti.
Igad countered that Eritrea had not engaged with reforms or submitted "tangible proposals" since rejoining in 2023. The organization noted Asmara's absence from meetings and programs during this period.
Historical tensions resurface
Eritrea's withdrawal follows escalating rhetoric with Ethiopia, its longtime rival. The two nations fought a brutal border war from 1998 to 2000, which killed over 100,000 people. Eritrea seceded from Ethiopia in 1993, leaving the latter landlocked.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's recent demands for Red Sea access via Eritrea have further strained relations. Ethiopian officials have even questioned the legitimacy of Eritrean independence, drawing sharp condemnation from Asmara.
Regional instability concerns
Eritrea's departure revives memories of its 2007 exit during a border dispute with Ethiopia. The current move raises fears of renewed conflict in the Horn of Africa, a region already grappling with civil wars and terrorism.
Asmara has long accused Igad of bias toward Ethiopia, particularly under its current leader, former Ethiopian Foreign Minister Workneh Gebyehu. Eritrea also severed ties with Djibouti, host of Igad's headquarters, after a 2009 border clash.
Broader criticism of Igad
The bloc has faced widespread criticism for failing to deliver on its mandate of regional integration and stability. Analysts point to ongoing conflicts and intra-state tensions as evidence of its limited impact.
"Eritrea finds itself compelled to withdraw from an organization that has strayed from its founding principles," the foreign ministry stated.
Eritrean Foreign Ministry
