Eritrea has withdrawn from the East African regional bloc Igad, accusing the organisation of “becoming a tool against” countries like itself.
The move comes amid a fierce war of words between Eritrea and neighbouring Ethiopia, leading to fears of renewed armed conflict.
Eritrea’s foreign ministry stated that Igad had strayed from its founding principles and failed to contribute to regional stability.
Igad responded that Eritrea had not made any “tangible proposals” or engaged with reforms, and that the country had not participated in Igad meetings, programmes, or activities since rejoining in 2023.
The withdrawal marks the second time Eritrea has left Igad, having previously exited in 2007 during a border dispute with Ethiopia.
Tensions between Eritrea and Ethiopia have been escalating, with Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed demanding access to the Red Sea through Eritrea, a move strongly opposed by Asmara.
