IGAD Heads of State and Government Address Sudan and Ethiopia-Somalia Relations at 42nd Extraordinary Assembly
By Majur Chol Khor
The 42nd Extraordinary Assembly of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Heads of State and Government was held in Entebbe, Republic of Uganda, on January 18, 2024.
The Assembly, chaired by H.E. Ismail Omar Guelleh, President of the Republic of Djibouti and Chairperson of the IGAD Heads of State and Government, addressed the situation in the Republic of Sudan and recent developments in the relation between the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Federal Republic of Somalia.
The Assembly was attended by several prominent leaders, including H.E. Dr. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya; H.E. Dr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia; H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan; and H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda. Also present were high-ranking officials from IGAD, the African Union Commission, the United Nations, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the European Union, the United States, the League of Arab States, and Turkey.
The Assembly expressed its congratulations to the people and President of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for successfully hosting the 42nd Extraordinary IGAD Assembly, as well as the Non-Aligned Movement and the G77 + China Summits. The Assembly also commended the warm welcome extended to all delegates.
The Assembly expressed deep concern over the recent developments in the relation between Ethiopia and Somalia and reaffirmed the importance of respecting the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia. It called upon both countries to de-escalate tensions and engage in constructive dialogue, emphasizing that any agreement or arrangement should be made with the consent of the Federal Government of Somalia.
Regarding the ongoing conflict in Sudan, the Assembly reiterated its call for the parties involved to commit to dialogue and negotiation.
IGAD expressed its readiness to facilitate an all-inclusive peace process in collaboration with all Sudanese stakeholders, the African Union, and regional and international actors. The Assembly emphasized that the Sudanese people should be at the center of any resolution and called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire to pave the way for a political dialogue.
The Assembly directed the IGAD Secretariat to provide regular updates on the conflict in Sudan and instructed the Secretariat, in coordination with the African Union Commission, to revise the Roadmap for the Resolution of the Conflict in Sudan. The revised roadmap should include clear timelines and facilitate a Sudanese-owned and Sudanese-led process towards a democratic government within one month.
IGAD, in coordination with the African Union and the international community, was called upon to mobilize support for the peace process in Sudan. The Assembly welcomed the appointment of a High-Level Panel for Sudan by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and urged the panel to work closely with IGAD and other stakeholders in facilitating the peace process.
The Assembly concluded by affirming its commitment to actively addressing these matters and ensuring a peaceful resolution to the conflicts in Sudan and the Ethiopia-Somalia relations.
