IGAD expresses regret over Eritrea's withdrawal from the bloc
Africa
By
Esther Nyambura
| Dec 12, 2025
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has expressed regret over Eritrea’s decision to withdraw from the regional bloc.
In a statement issued on Friday, December 12, IGAD said it had taken note of Eritrea’s decision to withdraw from the organisation but added that it will continue engaging Asmara to reconsider its move.
According to IGAD, this is not the first time Eritrea has suspended its participation. The country withdrew its membership for nearly two decades before rejoining the bloc during the 14th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government in June 2023.
However, since rejoining, Eritrea has not participated in IGAD meetings, programmes, or activities.
“Throughout this period, the Secretariat has exercised patience and goodwill, while remaining open and available for constructive engagement,” IGAD said, adding that Eritrea’s decision to withdraw came without the submission of tangible proposals or engagement on specific institutional or policy reforms. This is despite the bloc’s readiness to consult through established mechanisms.
READ MORE
State to cut debt by off loading large projects to private sector
Insurers urged to rethink PSV's high-risk model
It is a bad year: Rising costs dim X-mas cheer for many Kenyans
Boon for exporters as Kenya inches closer to China tariff deal
Closing Kenya's construction skills gap for future-ready workforce
CEOs see Trump tariffs, high taxes hurting growth in 2026
Christmas comes early for Naivas Kikwetu winners
Giant society turns to land lease to grow revenues
Flower growers halt expansion projects over tax refund delay
The organisation noted that it will continue outreach efforts to encourage Eritrea to reconsider its position and return to advance shared objectives for peace, stability, and development across the region.