NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) – Eritrea has announced its withdrawal from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), citing the regional bloc’s failure to serve its interests. The move is seen as a significant shift in Eritrea's foreign engagement, particularly against the backdrop of ongoing tensions with neighboring Ethiopia, a country with which Eritrea signed a peace agreement 25 years ago.
In a statement released on Friday, Eritrea's foreign ministry criticized IGAD for losing its legal mandate and authority, arguing that it does not provide any substantial strategic benefits for its member states and has not contributed meaningfully to regional stability. They emphasized this as a reason for their decision to exit the organization.
Eritrea had previously withdrawn from IGAD in 2003, only to rejoin in 2021. However, on its latest departure, Eritrea highlighted its lack of participation in regional activities since rejoining, a point that IGAD corroborated. This current exit raises questions about Eritrea's role in regional collaborations aimed at addressing trade, customs, transportation, communication, agriculture, and environmental issues.
Relations between Eritrea and Ethiopia have recently soured, with both nations accusing each other of meddling in their domestic affairs, thus increasing concerns regarding the potential for renewed hostilities. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expressed a desire to gain peaceful access to the Red Sea through Eritrea, emphasizing the importance of such access for trade – a key factor before Eritrea's secession in 1993.
Abiy Ahmed characterized the loss of access to the sea as a "mistake," a statement that has stirred feelings of provocation in Eritrea. Eritrean officials have suggested that Ethiopia harbors intentions to seize Eritrea's strategic Red Sea ports and has alleged that Ethiopia is preparing for potential military action against them.
The United Nations (UN) has responded to this escalating tension by urging both nations to return to the principles of peace outlined in the Algiers Agreement, signed in 2000, which ended nearly three decades of border conflict. The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's office emphasized the need for Eritrea and Ethiopia to recommit to this agreement, stressing its critical role as a framework for lasting peace in the region.
Throughout this period of rising tensions, claims have emerged from both sides; Eritrea accused Ethiopia in June of pursuing a "long-brewing war agenda," while Ethiopia has asserted that Eritrea is allegedly supporting rebel groups within its borders and preparing for aggression. The situation remains fluid as both nations navigate their complex historical and political relations in the region.
