The Ministry of Information announced that Eritrea has formally notified the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) of its decision to leave the regional bloc.

Asmara explained that its withdrawal results from what it described as IGAD’s consistent inability to fulfill its mandate, represent regional interests, and maintain neutrality among member states.

Eritrea noted its “pivotal role in IGAD’s revitalization in 1993,” working with other member states to strengthen the organization as “the primary vehicle for enhancing regional peace and stability” and as a basis for economic integration.

The Ministry’s statement contends that “over time, particularly since 2005, IGAD has not only failed to meet the aspirations of the region’s peoples but has instead played a harmful role, becoming an instrument against targeted member states; especially Eritrea.” These developments led Asmara to suspend its membership in April 2007.

While Eritrea resumed its membership in June 2023 hoping the bloc would “respond to Eritrea’s call for reform and address its previous shortcomings,” the statement indicates IGAD has “persistently failed to honor its statutory obligations,” diminishing its legal mandate and relevance.

Consequently, Eritrea finds itself forced to withdraw from an organization that has abandoned its legal mandate and authority,” the Ministry of Information stated, noting that IGAD now provides “no clear strategic advantage” and has not made meaningful contributions to regional stability.

Eritrea’s rejoining of IGAD,

Eritrea’s most recent exit from the regional bloc follows diplomatic initiatives within IGAD that welcomed Asmara back into the organization on July 8, 2018. At that time, IGAD Executive Secretary Amb. (Eng.) Mahboub Maalim commended the reconciliation between Ethiopia and Eritrea following their commitment to implement the Algiers Agreement.

“The normalization of relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea and the resolution of their border dispute will undoubtedly benefit the citizens of both nations and advance our collective goal of peace and economic integration in our region,” Mahboub wrote.

Nevertheless, its official return took place in June 2023, when Eritrea rejoined the regional bloc it had departed from 16 years prior. It resumed its IGAD activities after participating in the 14th Ordinary Summit in Djibouti.

Eritrea’s complex relationship with IGAD includes previous reconciliation efforts. In July 2011, Asmara sought to reactivate its membership in the bloc, four years after withdrawing in protest over what it described as IGAD’s stance on “Ethiopia’s military intervention in Somalia.”

At that time, analysts characterized Eritrea’s 2007 withdrawal as an early sign of worsening relations between the Red Sea nation and its regional neighbors, especially concerning the conflict in Somalia, where Al-Shabaab was attempting to overthrow a UN-backed government.

“I have the honor to inform you and, through you, the member states of IGAD that the State of Eritrea has decided to reactivate its membership in IGAD with immediate effect,” Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh wrote in a letter to IGAD Executive Secretary Mahboub Maalim.