Name: Eritrea announces departure from IGAD regional bloc
Uploaded: 2025-12-13T17:15:36.489Z
Duration: 49 s
Description: Its departure comes amid a fierce war of words between Asmara and Ethiopia raising fears of a renewed armed conflict between the two countries.

Its departure comes amid a fierce war of words between Asmara and Ethiopia raising fears of a renewed armed conflict between the two countries.

Asmara

Eritrea has formally announced its withdrawal from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), stating that the East African regional bloc has deviated from its founding principles and failed to support regional stability. The Eritrean foreign ministry made the announcement as tensions escalate with neighboring Ethiopia, which has increased demands for Red Sea access through Eritrean territory.

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development expressed regret over Eritrea's decision, noting that Eritrea had not been active in IGAD meetings or activities. Eritrea's departure comes in the context of a long-standing dispute with Ethiopia, which has been landlocked since Eritrea's independence in 1993.

Eritrea announces departure from IGAD regional bloc

Eritrea has announced its withdrawal from IGAD, saying the East African regional bloc has strayed from its founding principles and failed to contribute to regional stability. Asmara's decision, announced by the foreign ministry on Friday, comes amid a fierce war of words between Eritrea and its neighbour Ethiopia. Addis Ababa has intensified its demand for access to the Red Sea through Eritrea, which has elicited a fierce response from Asmara, raising fears of a renewed armed conflict. After a decades-long battle for independence, Eritrea officially seceded from Ethiopia in 1993, leaving the latter landlocked. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development says it regrets Eritrea's decision, but noted that it had not participated in IGAD meetings, programmes or activities.

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