ASMARA (Kaab TV) – The Government of Eritrea announced today that it has withdrawn from membership in the regional organization IGAD, following an official press statement issued by the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Eritrea accused IGAD of having lost its legal mandate and the authority required to contribute effectively to regional stability.
The ministry’s statement said:
“Eritrea has found itself compelled to withdraw from the membership of an organization that has lost its legal responsibilities and authority, and that has failed to play an effective role in promoting regional stability.”
This decision comes at a time when diplomatic tensions between Eritrea and Ethiopia are intensifying, and as IGAD appears to have lost much of its political influence in the region in recent years.
Eritrea views IGAD as lacking neutrality and as being inclined toward Ethiopia, which has frequently exercised leadership over the organization’s decisions. Additionally, although Djibouti hosts IGAD’s headquarters, Eritrea has no diplomatic relations with Djibouti, which has further complicated its ability to operate within the organization.
So far, IGAD has not issued any official statement regarding Eritrea’s decision.