Eritrea quits regional bloc as tensions rise with Ethiopia

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete December 12, 2025 at 07:18 PM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

Eritrea has withdrawn from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), an East African regional bloc, citing that the organization has strayed from its founding principles and become a tool against Eritrea. The withdrawal, announced Friday, follows escalating tensions and a war of words between Eritrea and Ethiopia, raising concerns about renewed armed conflict. IGAD responded by stating Eritrea had not engaged with reforms or made tangible proposals since rejoining in 2023. Eritrea accuses IGAD of siding with Ethiopia in regional disputes, while Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has recently demanded access to the Red Sea through Eritrea, even questioning Eritrea's independence, further straining relations. Eritrea previously left IGAD in 2007 and only rejoined in 2023.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Abiy Ahmed ×250% Ethiopia ×860% Igad ×570% Eritrea ×980%

Keywords

eritrea 100% ethiopia 90% igad 90% withdrawal 80% regional bloc 70% regional stability 70% red sea access 60% tensions 60% armed conflict 50% border dispute 50%