Djibouti Regrets Eritrea’s Withdrawal from IGAD

The Republic of Djibouti has expressed regret following Eritrea’s decision to withdraw from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), calling it a sovereign but unfortunate move.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Djibouti’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said it had learned of Eritrea’s decision through a formal Note Verbale sent to the IGAD Executive Secretariat on December 12, 2025. Djibouti is currently serving as the Chair-in-Office of the regional bloc.

“In its capacity as Chair of the Organization, Djibouti regrets this new withdrawal from the Organization and takes note of this sovereign decision,” the statement said.

Djibouti noted that Eritrea’s most recent return to IGAD had been made at the country’s own request and was endorsed during the 14th Ordinary IGAD Summit held in Djibouti on June 12, 2023.

The Djiboutian government reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue among member states, saying it remains ready to work with all countries to promote peace, cooperation, and respect for national sovereignty within the region.

Eritrea formally notified the IGAD Secretary General of its withdrawal on Friday, December 12, 2025, citing long-standing grievances and what it described as the organization’s failure to fulfill its mandate.

In a statement released by Eritrea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government recalled its key role in the revitalization of IGAD in 1993, shortly after the country gained independence.

“As it will be recalled, Eritrea played a pivotal role when IGAD was revitalized in 1993 and worked closely with other member states to strengthen the organization as a platform for regional peace, stability, and economic integration,” the statement said.

However, Eritrea argued that since 2005, IGAD has failed to meet the expectations of the region’s people and has instead acted in ways that harmed certain member states, particularly Eritrea. These concerns led the country to suspend its membership in April 2007.

Although Eritrea rejoined IGAD in June 2023 in the hope that reforms would be introduced and past grievances addressed, the government said those expectations were not met. It accused the organization of undermining its own relevance and legal authority.

“As a result, Eritrea finds itself compelled to withdraw from an organization that has forfeited its legal mandate and offers no clear strategic benefit to its constituencies,” the statement added.

Eritrea first joined IGAD in 1993 as the bloc’s seventh member. Its latest withdrawal marks a significant development for the East African regional body and raises questions about the future cohesion of the organization amid ongoing regional challenges.