In a statement on Friday, Eritrea's foreign ministry said Igad had strayed from its founding principles and failed to contribute to regional stability. Igad was established to promote regional stability and food security in East Africa, and also includes Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, and Djibouti. The government in Eritrea's capital, Asmara, has long accused Igad of siding with Ethiopia in regional disputes. In its response, Igad said that since the country returned to the bloc it had not "participated in IGAD meetings, programmes, or activities". The withdrawal comes as tensions have been increasing between Eritrea and Ethiopia, two countries that have a long history of deadly conflict.