The move reflects Eritrea’s deepening estrangement from regional diplomatic frameworks as disputes with neighboring Ethiopia intensify.

Officials in Asmara accused IGAD of failing to uphold its mandate and contributing little to regional stability.

Eritrea Accuses IGAD of Mandate Failure

Eritrea said it was compelled to withdraw from IGAD because the bloc had forfeited its legal authority and strategic relevance.

Officials argued that the organization no longer functions as a neutral platform for cooperation and crisis management.

The withdrawal was formally announced on 12 December 2025, signaling a decisive break with the bloc’s current structure.

Withdrawal Follows Brief and Uneasy Return

Eritrea had rejoined IGAD in 2023, ending a 16-year absence that began in 2007 during an earlier confrontation with Ethiopia.

Since its return, Asmara largely abstained from meetings and programs, reinforcing perceptions of disengagement.

The renewed exit underscores Eritrea’s long-standing skepticism toward multilateral regional institutions.

Ethiopia Tensions Frame the Decision

Relations between Eritrea and Ethiopia have deteriorated sharply since 2023, marked by escalating rhetoric and mutual accusations. Ethiopian demands for access to the Red Sea, including references to Eritrean ports, triggered a strong backlash from Asmara.

Regional observers warn that the diplomatic breakdown risks further destabilizing the Horn of Africa amid ongoing conflicts in Sudan and Somalia.