The 42nd Extraordinary Assembly of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Heads of State and Government took place in Entebbe, Uganda, on Thursday, January 18, 2024, in a high-stakes meeting characterised by regional nuances.
The session, presided over by Ismail Omar Guelleh, President of Djibouti and Chairperson of the IGAD Heads of State and Government, examined the evolving situation in the Republic of Sudan as well as the diplomatic dynamics between the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Among the assembly attendees were President William Ruto of Kenya, Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia, Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan, and Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda, as well as representatives from major international players such as the African Union, the United Nations, the League of Arab States, the European Union, and the United States.
The assembly began by thanking the host nation, Uganda, and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for seamlessly orchestrating the event alongside the Non-Aligned Movement and the G77 + China Summits, and then acknowledged the warm reception extended to all delegates.
Central to discussions was the deep-seated concern surrounding the Ethiopia-Somalia relationship.
The assembly reiterated its unwavering commitment to the principles of respecting the Federal Republic of Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.
The leaders emphasised that any diplomatic engagements must adhere to these cardinal principles, and that agreements or arrangements must have the explicit consent of the Federal Government of Somalia.
Following escalating tensions, the IGAD Heads of State and Government issued a call for Ethiopia and Somalia to de-escalate and engage in substantive dialogue, emphasising the critical importance of maintaining peaceful relations between the neighbouring countries.
The assembly then turned its attention to the long-running conflict in the Republic of Sudan.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to promoting dialogue and negotiation for a comprehensive peace process, and they urgently requested an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and cessation of hostilities.
It was underscored that the Sudanese people should not bear the brunt of an unjust war.
The assembly emphasised the primary responsibility of IGAD Member States in ensuring the will of the Sudanese people prevails, recalling the conflicting parties’ commitment to a face-to-face meeting within 14 days and urging strict adherence to the deadline.
The IGAD Secretariat was mandated to provide regular updates on conflict resolution efforts.
In an effort to speed up the peace process, the IGAD Heads of State and Government directed the Secretariat, in collaboration with the African Union Commission, to revise the Roadmap for the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of Sudan within one month.
Furthermore, they advocated for a Sudanese-owned and Sudanese-led process to establish a democratic government in Sudan.
The assembly called on IGAD, the African Union, and the international community to mobilise in support of the Republic of Sudan’s peace process.
The appointment of a High-Level Panel for Sudan by the African Union Commission’s Chairperson was approved, along with a call for close collaboration with IGAD and other stakeholders to navigate the complexities of the peace process.
As the assembly concluded, the IGAD Heads of State and Government reaffirmed their commitment to actively engaging in these issues, signalling a collective determination to confront regional challenges and foster long-term peace and stability in the volatile Horn of Africa.
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