Eritrea Officially Withdraws from IGAD

Eritrea has formally notified the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Secretary General of its decision to withdraw from the regional bloc, citing longstanding grievances and perceived failures in fulfilling its mandate.

In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, December 12, 2025, Eritrea outlined the rationale for its withdrawal, emphasizing its historical contributions to the organization.

“As it will be recalled, Eritrea played a pivotal role when IGAD was revitalized in 1993, and subsequently worked, in collaboration with other Member States, for its transformation and effectiveness so that it would serve as the primary vehicle for enhancement of regional peace and stability, thereby paving the ground for viable regional economic integration,” the statement read.

However, the ministry noted that over time, particularly since 2005, IGAD has failed to meet the aspirations of the region’s populations and has instead acted in ways detrimental to certain member states, Eritrea in particular. These issues led the country to suspend its membership in April 2007.

Eritrea reactivated its IGAD membership in June 2023, hoping that reforms would be implemented and past grievances addressed. The government stated that the organization has failed to meet these expectations, undermining its relevance and legal mandate.

“In the event, Eritrea finds itself compelled to withdraw its membership from an organization that has forfeited its legal mandate and authority, offering no discernible strategic benefit to all its constituencies and failing to contribute substantively to the stability of the region,” the statement added.

Eritrea first joined IGAD shortly after gaining independence in 1993, becoming the seventh member of the bloc. After suspending its membership in 2007, the country resumed full activity in June 2023, aiming to foster regional peace and integration. Its latest withdrawal marks a significant shift in the dynamics of the East African regional organization.