IGAD Mission To Somalia

The world stands at a crossroads, tested by conflict, tensions, and uncertainty. The future of mediation will not be shaped by theory, but by practice grounded in the realities of people affected by conflict. At the first IGAD Mediation Reflection Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, alongside H.E. @MusaliaMudavadi and partners, we reflected on the urgent need to move from statements to concrete principles, practical tools, and coordinated action. Mediation must connect dialogue to action, and commitments to lasting peace.

📢 SAVE THE DATE. Join us for an important X Space on Public Awareness on the Ratification of the #IGAD Treaty. As Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) marks a historic milestone—with the required two-thirds of Member States ratifying the revised Treaty, this conversation will unpack what the new Treaty means for the region, its citizens, and the future of regional cooperation. From understanding what changed in the revised Treaty to exploring its practical implications for Member States and citizens, this session will offer timely insights and answer key public questions. 🗓 Thursday, 30 April 2026 ⏰ 8:00 PM (EAT) 📍 Live on X: x.com/i/spaces/1rjzz… Don't miss!

📢 SAVE THE DATE. Join us for an important X Space on Public Awareness on the Ratification of the #IGAD Treaty. As Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) marks a historic milestone—with the required two-thirds of Member States ratifying the revised Treaty, this conversation will unpack what the new Treaty means for the region, its citizens, and the future of regional cooperation. From understanding what changed in the revised Treaty to exploring its practical implications for Member States and citizens, this session will offer timely insights and answer key public questions. 🗓 Thursday, 30 April 2026 ⏰ 8:00 PM (EAT) 📍 Live on X: x.com/i/spaces/1rjzz… Don't miss!

Borderlands must be central to development, not left at its margins. At the 28th Horn of Africa Initiative meeting on prioritising corridors to strengthen trade and connectivity, IGAD Executive Secretary H.E. Dr Workneh Gebeyehu underscored the need to place borderlands at the heart of sustainable development efforts in the region. He stressed that corridor investments must go beyond physical infrastructure and be implemented in ways that involve local communities, strengthen livelihoods, and expand opportunity. #RisingWithIGAD #OneRegionOneFuture #IGADatWBIMF2026 #RegionalIntegration #CrossBorderDevelopment

Our region continues to face food insecurity, but that is not the only challenge before us. We are also still behind in the fight for food safety, food security, and climate resilience. This morning, on the margins of the World Bank Spring Meetings, I met with the Head of the Adaptation Fund, Mr Mikko Ollikainen, and the Chief Executive Officer of Action Against Hunger, Dr Charles Owubah, to explore stronger partnerships for resilience across the region. I underscored that this is no time for fragmented efforts. Our response must be bold, coordinated, and focused on one goal: reducing fragility and strengthening resilience for the people of our region.

In Africa, border regions are too often where poverty, fragility, and neglect converge, while in more developed parts of the world, borders are where connectivity, growth, and opportunity thrive. This must concern us. At the 28th Horn of Africa Initiative meeting on prioritising corridors to enhance trade and connectivity, I reiterated that borderlands must be placed at the centre of sustainable development in our region. Corridors must not only move goods. They must also create opportunity for the communities that live along them.

IGAD’s Executive Secretary, H.E. @DrWorkneh, held a productive meeting with Mr. Ndiamé Diop, World Bank Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa, on the margins of the 2026 World Bank–IMF Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C. They discussed strengthening collaboration on regional trade integration, fragility reduction, and resilience in cross-border areas amid ongoing global challenges. He also held talks with the World Bank Regional Director for Eastern Africa, Mr. Nathan Belete, where they reviewed the IGAD–World Bank project portfolio and emphasized the need for stronger coordination to enhance impact in advancing regional public goods. #IGADAt40

Advancing Regional Resilience and Integration at the 2026 World Bank IMF Spring Meetings At a time when global instability continues to disrupt markets and place growing pressure on livelihoods across IGAD Member States, H.E. @DrWorkneh, IGAD Executive Secretary, is leading the IGAD delegation to the 2026 World Bank IMF Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C., to advance regional integration and infrastructure development in cross-border areas as pathways to stronger trade, deeper cooperation, and greater resilience. On the margins of the meetings, @DrWorkneh met with Mr Ndiamé Diop, World Bank Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa, and the newly appointed World Bank Regional Director for Eastern Africa, Mr Nathan Belete, to review the IGAD World Bank development portfolio and agree on more strategic coordination to enhance efficiency and maximise impact. IGAD remains committed to working with partners to reduce fragility, strengthen resilience, and advance lasting solutions that safeguard livelihoods and improve the lives of the people of the region. #RisingWithIGAD #OneRegionOneFuture #IGADatWBIMF2026 #RegionalIntegration #CrossBorderDevelopment

Productive meeting with Mr Ndiamé Diop, World Bank Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa, on the margins of the 2026 World Bank IMF Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C. We explored opportunities to deepen partnership in regional trade integration, fragility reduction, and resilience-building in cross-border areas across the IGAD region, at a time when the continent is grappling with the far-reaching effects of global instability. I also held bilateral discussions with the newly appointed World Bank Regional Director for Eastern Africa, Mr Nathan Belete. We reviewed the IGAD World Bank development projects portfolio and agreed on the need for a more strategic coordination framework to enhance efficiency and maximise impact in advancing regional public good.

IGAD Deploys Election Observation Mission for the 10 April 2026 Presidential Election in Djibouti Press Release: igad.int/igad-deploys-e…

Paid a courtesy visit to the IGAD Chair of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Djibouti, H.E. Abdoulkader Houssein Omar, at his office in Djibouti. We discussed the prevailing regional situation, as well as the organisation’s strategic priorities. We agreed on key steps forward and on the need to strengthen coordination to advance peace, stability, and resilience across the region.

Received H.E. Denisa-Elena Ionete, European Union Ambassador to Djibouti and IGAD, for a constructive exchange on matters of mutual interest. We underscored the growing urgency of the evolving regional and global dynamics and the need for coordinated, forward looking responses. IGAD values its partnership with the European Union and remains committed to advancing sustainable solutions for the region.

IGAD’s Executive Secretary, H.E. @DrWorkneh met with H.E. Amb. Saeed Mohammed Hassan, Ambassador of the Republic of the Sudan to Djibouti and #IGAD, for discussions on the evolving peace and security situation in the Sudan. Dr. Workneh welcomed the Ambassador to the IGAD Committee of Ambassadors, reaffirming continued dialogue and collective efforts toward peace in Sudan and stability in the region. #IGADAt40

This morning in Djibouti, I received H.E. @LuisaFragoso2 Portugal’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Djibouti and accredited to IGAD. We reflected on the geopolitical dynamics of the IGAD region, with particular focus on peace and security, climate change, and regional fragility. Portugal remains a valued partner of IGAD and the broader region, making contributions toward promoting stability across our region and beyond!

Met HE Ms. Cheryl Urban, Deputy Minister for Africa and Pan-Geographic Affairs at Global Affairs Canada. Our discussions focused on deepening cooperation between IGAD and Canada across key priorities including peace and security, climate resilience, humanitarian response, and sustainable development in the Horn of Africa. I appreciate Canada’s continued partnership and reaffirm IGAD’s commitment to working together for lasting stability and prosperity.

As the blessed month of Ramadan begins, I extend my warmest wishes to Muslim communities across our region and around the world. Ramadan is a time of reflection, compassion, and renewal. Its values of solidarity, patience, and generosity resonate deeply with IGAD’s commitment to peace, resilience, and shared prosperity. May this holy month inspire unity, strengthen dialogue, and bring hope and comfort to all. Ramadan Kareem.

The future of Africa will be shaped not by the resources we possess, but by how we govern and share them. Water sits at the centre of that responsibility. Today, I joined Africa’s Ministers of Foreign Affairs at the opening of the 48th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union, advancing the 2026 Theme of the Year on sustainable water availability and safe sanitation. As IGAD, we stand firm: access to water must not depend on geography or income, but on leadership, cooperation, and collective responsibility.

𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚’𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐬 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧! On the margins of the 39th #AUSummit, Heads of RECs and RMs reiterated the need for stronger complementarity to enhance regular coordination to drive more coherent and results-oriented integration. EAC Deputy Secretary General @AguerAriik reiterated the need to advance joint initiatives and improve data sharing to advance the continent’s development. The meeting also saw @IGADsecretariat hand over the Chairmanship of the Inter-REC Coordination & Cooperation Platform to @SADC_News under the leadership of H.E. @EliasMagosi, reinforcing collective commitment to deeper collaboration. @SGNduva

Following Sudan’s resumption of its IGAD membership, IGAD’s Executive Secretary H.E @DrWorkneh received H.E Mohi El-Din Salem, Sudan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs at the IGAD’s Offices in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. They discussed peace and security situation and reaffirmed the importance of regional cooperation. IGAD remains committed to supporting lasting peace and stability in the Sudan and the region. #AUSummit2026

Statement by the Secretariat of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) On the Return of the Republic of the Sudan to IGAD Read more: igad.int/statement-by-t…