Eritrea has announced its withdrawal from the East African regional bloc Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), accusing it of abandoning neutrality and acting against member states like itself.
The move comes as tensions escalate with neighboring Ethiopia, reviving fears of renewed conflict between the longtime rivals.
Officials in Asmara say the bloc offers no strategic value and has failed to promote stability, while IGAD counters that Eritrea has barely engaged since rejoining in 2023.
The fallout is fueled by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s push for Red Sea access, a demand that Eritrea views as a challenge to its sovereignty.
This exit marks the second time Eritrea has left the bloc, highlighting the deep and persistent fractures within the volatile Horn of Africa.