Eritrea's withdrawal from IGAD: Diplomatic failure or strategic shift? 

Afewerki Ghebremichael
 

Last month, the Eritrean Foreign Ministry announced the country’s permanent withdrawal from the regional organization IGAD via the Eritrean state television network. The ministry explained that this decision was driven by the organization’s complete failure to meet its core objectives and purpose.  

“Eritrea finds itself compelled to withdraw its membership from an organisation that has forfeited its legal mandate and authority, offering no discernible strategic benefit to all its constituencies," stated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, 12 of December 2025.

IGAD’s response

Since rejoining IGAD in June 2023 after a two-decade suspension, the regional organisation notes with regret that Eritrea has not participated in IGAD meetings, programmes, or activities. Throughout this period, the Secretariat has exercised patience and goodwill, while remaining open and available for constructive engagement.

“IGAD further regrets that the decision to withdraw was taken without the submission of tangible proposals or engagement on specific institutional or policy reforms. The Organisation has consistently remained open to dialogue through its established consultative mechanisms.”

WHY NOW?

Numerous political analysts and scholars specializing in the region have expressed concern about the regional organization's inability to achieve peace and stability. While various factors contribute to this ineffectiveness, a primary issue appears to be the organization's structure. Decision-making authority is predominantly vested in the general assembly of heads of state. Consequently, if the leaders fail to establish rapport or maintain positive interpersonal relationships, the organization may become paralyzed in its efforts to address critical issues.

What pushed the government of Eritrea to withdraw could be due to dissatisfaction and frustration, or a strategic shift from the Horn to the Red Sea region.

 Eritrea suspended its membership in the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) two decades ago in response to IGAD's request for the African Union (AU) and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to impose sanctions against Eritrea, a request influenced by the Ethiopian government. It is concerning to observe a regional organization aligning with one member state to penalize and isolate others. Furthermore, IGAD has not effectively addressed Ethiopia's territorial claims against Eritrea. For instance, since 2023, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has expressed the necessity for access to the Red Sea through Eritrea. In making this demand, Abiy and other high-ranking Ethiopian officials have openly questioned Eritrea’s independence, provoking a strong response from the Eritrean government in Asmara. Notably, IGAD has not condemned the rhetoric and threats articulated by the Ethiopian government. Consequently, the Government of Eritrea cannot remain a member of a regional organization that fails to condemn and address the actions of a member state that violates fundamental international treaties and the principles of the UN Charter regarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations within the international community.

The Eritrean government has expressed frustration with the actions of member states such as Kenya and Uganda regarding the need for reform within the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). This dissatisfaction may have led Eritrea to consider withdrawing from the regional organization and instead focus on strengthening its relationships with nations in the Red Sea Basin. Additionally, the ongoing threats posed by the Ethiopian regime to invade and annex Eritrea's sovereign coastline have heightened concerns within Eritrea, prompting the nation to seek closer alignment with Egypt and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

In summary, the withdrawal from a largely irrelevant organization should not be perceived as an act of isolation or a diplomatic setback; rather, it is a strategic and timely decision driven by geostrategic considerations. A significant number of Eritreans endorse the government's choice, advocating for enhancing the nation’s relations with countries in the Red Sea Basin and beyond. This initiative is aimed not only at strengthening security and political ties but also at significantly boosting trade and investment opportunities.