Eritrea's Withdrawal from Regional Bloc Igad Raises Tensions with Ethiopia

Sun Dec 14 2025 06:55:13 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Eritrea has officially withdrawn from the East African regional bloc Igad, citing accusations against the organization of acting against its interests amid rising tensions with Ethiopia.

Eritrea's recent withdrawal from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (Igad) has escalated tensions with Ethiopia, as the Eritrean government claims the bloc is no longer serving its foundational purposes. The dissolution follows years of a tumultuous relationship marked by border disputes and accusations of regional interference. The withdrawal has sparked concerns of renewed conflict in the Horn of Africa, particularly as Ethiopia seeks greater access to the Red Sea.

Eritrea has officially announced its withdrawal from the East African regional bloc, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (Igad), accusing it of becoming a tool against countries like itself and failing to foster regional stability.

In a statement released by Eritrea's foreign ministry, the government expressed dissatisfaction with Igad's divergence from its founding principles and emphasized that it no longer perceives any strategic benefit from its membership.

This withdrawal occurs amidst heightened tensions and an ongoing war of words with neighboring Ethiopia, raising fears of a potential resurgence of armed conflict. Eritrea has a history of tumultuous relations with Ethiopia, particularly over issues related to land and access to resources.

In response to Eritrea's decision, Igad noted that since Eritrea's re-entry into the bloc earlier this year, it has not participated in any meetings or activities, further complicating the situation. Igad was established to promote stability and food security in the East African region and includes member states such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, and Djibouti.

Historically, Eritrea has accused Igad of siding with Ethiopia in disputes, asserting its grievances over decisions made within the bloc. Eritrea had previously left Igad in 2007 during a period of intense border dispute with Ethiopia and only rejoined in 2023.

The current withdrawal follows escalating demands from Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for access to the Red Sea, which Eritrea has fiercely contested. Such demands have reignited debates around Eritrea's independence gained in 1993 and its geopolitical significance in the region.

Throughout the years, Eritrea has been accused of undermining the stability of the region, allegations that it staunchly denies, claiming that its neighbors conspire with Western powers against it. The reestablishment of diplomatic relations between Eritrea and Ethiopia, which was celebrated with a peace prize awarded to Abiy Ahmed, now faces the strain of these recent developments.