By Nancy Emily Nagujja
Kampala. The 42nd Extraordinary Assembly of IGAD Heads of State & Government, hosted in the Republic of Uganda by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, brought together key leaders from the Horn of Africa. Member States, including Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, and Uganda, convened to address crucial issues in the region.
Focused on the goal of transformation towards sustainable development, resilience, and stability, IGAD plays a vital role in fostering peace across the Horn of Africa. The assembly, chaired by President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti, tackled pressing matters, particularly the Sudan Conflict and emerging tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia.
Addressing Ethiopia-Somalia tensions, the assembly emphasized respect for Somalia’s sovereignty and called for de-escalation through constructive dialogue. Concerned about Sudan, IGAD urgedigad
an immediate ceasefire, committed to a peace process, and directed the revision of a conflict resolution roadmap within a month.
The assembly welcomed the African Union’s High-Level Panel for Sudan, pledging continued engagement in conflict resolution. Resolutions emphasized member states’ commitment to utilizing all means for a peaceful resolution in Sudan and reaffirmed principles of respect for sovereignty.
Prominent heads of state, including H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan, H.E. Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti, and H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia, actively participated. The assembly congratulated President Museveni for hosting the event and expressed deep concern about recent developments between Ethiopia and Somalia.
Reaffirming cardinal principles, the assembly called for de-escalation between Ethiopia and Somalia, expressing readiness to facilitate an all-inclusive peace process. Concerns about Sudan prompted a call for an immediigadate ceasefire and the cessation of hostilities to pave the way for political dialogue.
Noteworthy directives included IGAD’s commitment to ensuring the will of the Sudanese people prevails and the revision of the roadmap for the resolution of the Sudan conflict within one month. The assembly called for mobilizing support for the peace process, welcomed the African Union’s High-Level Panel for Sudan, and committed to staying actively engaged in resolving these critical matters.
