Eritrea has withdrawn from the East African regional bloc IGAD, accusing the organisation of “becoming a tool against” countries like it. Eritrea’s foreign ministry said IGAD strayed from its founding principles and failed to contribute to regional stability.

The decision came amid escalating tensions and a war of words with neighbouring Ethiopia, fuelling fears of renewed conflict between the two countries. Eritrea’s foreign ministry said IGAD no longer offered any strategic benefit and had forfeited its mandate. IGAD responded that Eritrea had failed to meaningfully engage in meetings or reform efforts since rejoining the bloc in 2023.

The withdrawal followed longstanding accusations by Asmara that IGAD sided with Ethiopia in regional disputes, against a backdrop of disputes over Red Sea access, questions around Eritrean sovereignty, and a history of conflict that has repeatedly destabilised the Horn of Africa.