IGAD Responds to Eritrea’s Withdrawal Decision with Regret and Call for Reconsideration
December 12, 2025 (Djibouti, Djibouti) — The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has acknowledged Eritrea’s formal Note Verbale indicating its decision to withdraw from the Organisation. IGAD notes Eritrea’s prior self-imposed suspension and its subsequent reentry, which occurred after the 14th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government in June 2023. At that summit, Eritrea was unanimously welcomed back by all IGAD Member States, signaling a shared commitment to inclusivity, regional solidarity, and renewed collaboration.
Since June 2023, IGAD observes with disappointment that Eritrea has not taken part in IGAD meetings, programs, or activities. Throughout this interval, the Secretariat has demonstrated patience and goodwill, remaining ready for constructive engagement.
IGAD also laments that Eritrea’s withdrawal was decided without presenting concrete proposals or engaging in discussions on specific institutional or policy reforms. The Organisation has consistently kept its doors open for dialogue through its established consultative channels.
In light of this, the IGAD Secretariat intends to persist with outreach to the Government of the State of Eritrea and urges it to reconsider its stance and rejoin the Organisation in good faith, so that shared goals of peace, stability, and development in the Horn of Africa can be pursued collectively.
IGAD reaffirms its unwavering commitment to fostering regional cooperation, dialogue, and coordinated action for the benefit of the peoples of the region.
Download Press Release in PDF Below
IGAD Regrets Eritrea’s Decision to Withdraw from the Organisation (https://igad.int/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IGAD-Regrets-Eritreas-Decision-to-Withdraw-from-the-Organisation.pdf)
Would you like this rewritten version to emphasize a more neutral diplomatic tone, or should it lean toward a more critical viewpoint of Eritrea’s decision? I can adjust the framing if you’d like a stronger advocacy angle or a purely informational style.
