Asmara, Eritrea – (African Boulevard News) – Eritrea has finally rejoined the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) after a 16-year hiatus. The country resumed its activity in IGAD and took its seat at a summit organized by the seven-nation bloc in Djibouti on Monday, according to Information Minister Yemane Meskel.
The decision was welcomed by the IGAD leaders who lauded the country’s efforts in peace and reconciliation in the Horn of Africa. The rejoining of Eritrea is expected to bolster the trade and security bloc and boost cooperation between member countries.
IGAD is a significant regional organization composed of Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda. It was established in 1996 to promote regional economic integration and political cooperation, as well as to address the region’s various security challenges.
Eritrea’s rejoining of IGAD is seen as a step towards enhancing the country’s integration into the Horn of Africa region, and an opportunity to improve trade relations with its neighbors. This move has been long-awaited and is expected to provide a platform for cooperation between Eritrea and its neighbors, particularly Ethiopia.
The rejoining of Eritrea was also hailed by the United Nations and other international partners. The international community has been urging the Eritrean government to re-engage with its neighbors and to participate in multilateral forums to resolve the region’s security and economic challenges.
According to the Information Minister, Eritrea’s return to IGAD reflects the country’s commitment to regional cooperation and to building a peaceful and prosperous Horn of Africa. The country has been making significant strides in its diplomatic efforts, and this move is a step towards enhancing its global profile.
The decision to rejoin IGAD follows the signing of the historic peace agreement between Eritrea and Ethiopia in 2018, which ended a two-decade-long border conflict. The agreement has ushered in a new era of cooperation and dialogue between the two countries and has opened up opportunities for regional integration.
In conclusion, the rejoining of Eritrea to IGAD is a significant step towards regional integration and cooperation. It marks the country’s commitment to build a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Horn of Africa. The move is expected to boost the trade and security bloc, improve cooperation between member countries, and enhance Eritrea’s global profile.
