IGAD: Eritrea returns to the East African regional Bloc after 16 years of absence

Eritrea has rejoined the East African regional bloc, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (Igad), after pulling out 16 years ago.

Information Minister Yemane Meskel tweeted on Monday that Eritrea «resumed its activity» and took its seat at the ongoing Igad summit in neighbouring Djibouti.

The regional grouping’s executive secretary, Workneh Gebeyehu, said he was «delighted to welcome Eritrea’s Foreign Minister Osman Saleh» as he joined the meeting.

Eritrea suspended its membership of the body in 2007 in protest against Ethiopia’s military intervention in Somalia and alleged manipulation of the organisation by external forces.

Igad is made up of Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda.