Awira Anthony, PhD

@AmbGamal Congratulations, Amb. on your well deserved appointment.

Today, I officially assumed office as the Minister of Commerce and Industry of the Federal Government of Somalia. I extend my sincere thanks to H.E. President Dr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and H.E. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre for their trust and leadership. 🇸🇴

Thank you @IGADsecretariat and @MAWareSO and your team for the insightful exchange on #Finland-#IGAD co-operation. Looking forward to our next meeting.

The IGAD region hosts approximately 5.5 million refugees, with our work directly affecting vulnerable lives across our communities. Earlier today in Djibouti, I presided over the 5th Annual Steering Committee meeting of the Regional Migration Fund (RMF). Together with Member States and partners, we reviewed progress, reflected on lessons learned, and highlighted best practices in implementation. Through RMF, IGAD is working to improve key migration corridors, including Moyale–Moyale, Tog-Wajale, Nimule–Elegu, and the refugee-hosting areas of Addeh and Ali Sabieh, to promote safety, opportunities, and well-being for all. Grateful to the Federal Republic of Germany, through @BMZ_Bund and @KfW, for its ongoing trust and partnership as we work towards safer, smarter, and more dignified mobility across the region.

#IGADHealth Join the Opening Session of the 3rd Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) of the Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience Program (HEPRRP) for east and Southern Africa. 🗓️Starting Tomorrow, 18 Nov 2025 🕒10:00AM (EAT) 🔗 Join the Conversation 👉 bit.ly/3K4aX3E #HEPRRPUpdates

Today in Djibouti, we convened a crucial meeting bringing together Special Envoys on Sudan, multilateral organisations, and key regional and international partners. We assessed the rapidly deteriorating situation, including the alarming escalation in El Fasher, and explored concrete ways to strengthen coordination for peacebuilding and humanitarian relief. Grateful for the united spirit shown today. Only collective, coordinated action will move Sudan closer to peace and lasting stability.

⚕️Health Emergency Preparedness and Response in East and Southern Africa In Lusaka, Zambia, the @IGADSecretariat partnering with @ECSA_HC, @Worldbank and @ZambiaMOH has kicked off the Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) meeting of the Health Emergency Preparedness Response and Resilience Program (HEPRRP) The RAC serves as the Program's strategic governance and oversight body. Representing the #IGAD Executive Director, @DrWorkneh, the Director, Planning and Coordination, Dr. @AnthonyAwira remarked that the increasing participation in the HEPRRP program was a recognition that no single country could manage modern health threats alone. The Minister of Health, Zambia, Hon. Dr . Elijah Muchima stressed the need for unity to solve persistent health challenges, specifically citing fragmented surveillance, unequal emergency financing, and limitations in vaccine access. 1/2

This morning in Addis Ababa, I met with the State Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Sweden, H.E. Dag Hartelius, and his delegation, where we discussed matters of mutual concern, including the peace and security situation in Sudan, South Sudan, and Somalia. Through the State Secretary, I conveyed IGAD’s sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Sweden for their steadfast partnership and continued support to our regional development programmes. I was also pleased to receive the Letters of Credence of H.E. Magnus Lennartsson, the newly appointed Ambassador of Sweden to Ethiopia and accredited to IGAD. IGAD values its strong cooperation with Sweden and looks forward to deepening this partnership.

PS Foreign Affairs Meets IGAD Heads in efforts to Enhance Regional Cooperation and Development Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs @SingoeiAKorir today met Heads of Divisions and Specialized Institutions of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). The Nairobi meeting brought together senior officials from Djibouti and Addis Ababa representing key IGAD divisions and institutions, including Peace and Security,Conflict Early Warning and Response Mechanism (CEWARN),IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC),IGAD Centre for Pastoral Areas and Livestock Development I(CPALD), and the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden (RESGAS). During the meeting, Dr. Sing’oei reaffirmed Kenya’s strong commitment to IGAD as a cornerstone of regional cooperation and a vital platform for advancing peace, security, and sustainable development across the Horn of Africa. He stressed the need for IGAD to remain responsive, accountable, and capable of delivering tangible benefits to the people of the region. Read more at: mfa.go.ke/ps-foreign-aff…

Kenya Engages in IGAD Strategy Validation Process #IGAD is holding the National Validation Workshop for Kenya as part of the ongoing development of its Regional Strategy 2026–2030, themed “Advancing Peace, Integration, and Resilience for Sustainable Development.” The session in Nairobi brings together national stakeholders to review and align Kenya’s priorities with IGAD’s emerging regional vision. This consultative process aims to ensure the new strategy reflects national perspectives and regional goals, strengthening cooperation, resilience, and shared prosperity across the Horn of Africa. #IGADStrategy2030 #PeaceAndResilience #RegionalIntegration #RisingWithIGAD

📊 Enhancing Data for Regional Development Today at the IGAD Secretariat, Dr @AnthonyAwira, Director of the Planning and Partnership Division, met with a representative from the @WorldBank on behalf of the IGAD Executive Secretary H.E. @DrWorkneh to advance cooperation on strengthening statistical systems across the region. The discussion focused on the joint IGAD–World Bank Project on Informal Cross-Border Trade (ICBT) Statistics, a key initiative aimed at improving the quality, reliability, and use of data to inform evidence-based policymaking. Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing regional statistical capacity — recognising that accurate and timely data are vital for informed decision-making, regional integration, and sustainable development across the IGAD region. 🌍📈 #RisingWithIGAD #IGADStatistics #RegionalIntegration #DataForDevelopment

Glad to Join HE Gideon Timothewos @GHessebon, Foreign Minister of Ethiopia, HE Korir Singo’e, @SingoeiAKorir, Permanent Secretary, MFA Kenya, HE Hanna Tetteh, @HannaTetteh, UN Secretary General Sepecial Representative in Libya, HE Souef El Amine, @souefmo_elamine, Chief of Staff, African Union Commission and other leaders at the Chatham House Conference, co-organized with Amani Africa and UNDP, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A call for Continental Leadership in a challenging world, and a discussion on the role that African Institutions, such as the African Union and Regional Economic Communities such as @IGADsecretariat can play.

On behalf of the Executive Secretary, @DrWorkneh, glad to welcome to IGAD Headquarters in Djibouti, a High Level UK Delegation; Christina Scott, Director-General for the Overseas Network, Lisa Mackie, Deputy Director Africa, Alison Blackburne, UK Special Envoy for The Red Sea Envoy, Vinay Talwar, Ambassador to Djibouti & Representative to IGAD, 🇩🇯, Darren Welch, Ambassador to Ethiopia & Permanent Representative to the AU 🇪🇹Charlie King, Ambassador to Somalia🇸🇴Lisa Chesney, High Commissioner Uganda 🇺🇬 , Ed Barnett, Charge d’Affaires, Kenya 🇰🇪, and David McIlroy Charge d’Affaires Eritrea 🇪🇷. We discussed Peace and Security in the Region, the humanitarian situation, and the forced displacement of people and forced Migeration. The UK is an important for IGAD- its Member States and the Secretariat. @ukindjibouti @UKinEritrea @UKinKenya @ukinethiopia @ukinsomalia @ukinuganda @fcdoGovUk @BritAmbVinay

Glad to have extensive discussions with Ms. Ugochi Daniels, @daniels_ugochi Director General - Operations, of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), accompanied by Mr. Frantz Celestin, @CelestinFranz, IOM Regional Director for East, Horn and Southern Africa, and Ms.Tanja Pacifico, IOM Djibouti Chief of Mission, in Djibouti. @UNmigration We discussed our common engagements on Migeration and Population Movement, as a result of Conflict, Climate Impact and other causes of displacement. Building on the recent Declaration at the 3rd IGAD Ministerial Conference on Labour, Employment and Labour Migration (22nd October 2025 in Nairobi), which IOM was an important Partner, we will work together with Member States to ensure Free and Dignified Movement of People.

Strengthening Collaboration for a Resilient Horn of Africa Today, IGAD and Development Partners held a constructive dialogue on the IGAD Strategy 2026–2030 — a session marked by openness, shared reflection, and a strong spirit of partnership. We appreciate the continued commitment of our partners to stability, resilience, and regional integration across the Horn of Africa. Special thanks to the Embassy of Sweden in Addis Ababa and the Folke Bernadotte Academy for their excellent facilitation. Together, we are refining our collective vision to ensure IGAD’s next strategy responds effectively to the region’s evolving priorities. #IGADStrategy #Partnerships #Peace #Resilience #RegionalIntegration #HornOfAfrica

Twenty-Five Years of Arta: A Legacy of Dialogue, Unity, and Peace The IGAD Executive Secretary, H.E. Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, is attending the 25th Anniversary of the Arta Peace Conference and the inauguration of the Arta Peace Memorial Park in Djibouti. Hosted by H.E. Ismail Omar Guelleh, President of the Republic of Djibouti, and H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, the event commemorates a historic milestone in Somalia’s peace and reconciliation journey. The Arta Peace Conference of 2000 remains a defining moment in the Horn of Africa’s history, a testament to Djibouti’s leadership, Somalia’s resilience, and IGAD’s enduring commitment to dialogue and regional solidarity. #IGADatArta25 #Somalia #Djibouti #Peace #RegionalIntegration

Twenty-five years since the Arta Peace Conference, a defining chapter in Somalia’s journey toward peace and nation-building. Hosted by the President of the Republic of Djibouti, H.E. Ismail Omar Guelleh, and participated President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, today’s commemoration and inauguration of the Arta Peace Memorial Park remind us that peace is built through dialogue, trust, and shared vision. We honour the courage of the Somali people, the leadership of Djibouti, and the enduring spirit of cooperation that continues to shape our region. IGAD stands with Somalia and all Member States in advancing the promise of Arta, a peaceful, united, and resilient Horn of Africa.

IGAD’s Executive Secretary H.E @DrWorkneh and Gen. Salim Saleh of Uganda’s Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) met on 27th October 2025 to strengthen collaboration in regional service delivery and community empowerment. They both reaffirmed their commitment to improving livelihoods and grassroots resilience in the #IGAD region.

@DrWorkneh @IGADsecretariat @KagutaMuseveni Thank you, Excellency. Discussions fully aligned with our forthcoming IGAD Strategy 2026–2030 priorities and We look forward to working with Uganda and all MS to turn these commitments into results. #IGAD #RegionalIntegration

Honoured to meet with Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho Salim Saleh (Rtd.), Special Presidential Advisor to H.E. @KagutaMuseveni, the President of the Republic of Uganda, on Defence and Security, in Kirema, Nakaseke District. Our discussions centred on advancing regional peace and stability, strengthening infrastructural connectivity, enhancing livelihoods, and improving access to regional markets as key drivers of integration. We reaffirmed our shared commitment to deepening collaboration and working in partnership towards these common goals. I expressed my sincere appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to me and my delegation.

This morning in Djibouti, together with the IGAD Committee of Ambassadors chaired by the Republic of Djibouti,we convened to deliberate on key regional priorities that continue to define our collective journey, peace, security, resilience, and partnership. Grateful to our Member States for their continued trust and support, and to our Ambassadors for their steadfast leadership in steering the affairs of our organisation with purpose and unity.