Eritrea has withdrawn from East African regional bloc Igad, accusing the organization of becoming a tool against countries like itself.
In a statement on Friday, Eritrea's foreign ministry said Igad had strayed from its founding principles and failed to contribute to regional stability.
The withdrawal comes amid a fierce war of words between Eritrea and neighbouring Ethiopia, leading to fears of renewed armed conflict.
In response to Eritrea's statement, Igad (Intergovernmental Authority on Development) said the country had not made any tangible proposals or engaged with reforms.
Igad was established to promote regional stability and food security in East Africa, and also includes Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, and Djibouti.
The government in Eritrea's capital, Asmara, has long accused Igad of siding with Ethiopia in regional disputes.
Eritrea previously left the bloc in 2007, during its border dispute with Ethiopia. It only rejoined in 2023.
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, Eritrea's foreign ministry said on Friday.
Igad noted that since Eritrea's return to the bloc it had not participated in IGAD meetings, programmes, or activities.
The withdrawal comes as tensions have been increasing between Eritrea and Ethiopia, two countries with a long history of deadly conflict.
Since 2023, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has been demanding access to the Red Sea through Eritrea, which has sparked a furious response from Asmara.
This conflict dates back to Eritrea's independence from Ethiopia in 1993, which left the latter landlocked. Abiy's calls for access to sea routes have raised questions about the recognition of Eritrean independence.
Igad has faced criticism for failing to foster stability and integration in a region rife with civil wars, terrorism, and internal strife.
