Uganda to host emergency IGAD summit amid Ethiopia-Somalia tensions

Uganda has been chosen as the venue for an emergency summit organised by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to address the escalating tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia.

The announcement was made on Thursday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Djibouti, acting on behalf of the IGAD Chair, His Excellency Ismail Omar Guelleh.

The extraordinary IGAD Summit, set to take place on January 18, 2024, in Uganda, will focus on the ongoing situation between the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Federal Republic of Somalia, and the situation in the Republic of Sudan.

President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda will host the crucial meeting.

The decision to convene this summit underscores the deep concern within the IGAD community regarding the rapidly deteriorating relations and growing tension between Ethiopia and Somalia.

The summit aims to provide a platform for member states to engage in diplomatic dialogue and seek peaceful resolutions to the situation in the Horn of Africa.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Djibouti highlighted the urgency of the matter and expressed gratitude to President Museveni for his willingness to facilitate this important gathering.

Official invitations are expected to be dispatched to all IGAD Member States, the African Union, and international partners through diplomatic channels.

Regional stability

The announcement comes at a critical time when regional stability is at stake.

On January 4, 2024, the Executive Secretary of IGAD stressed the critical importance of addressing the brewing tensions promptly.

"IGAD remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting peace, stability, cooperation, and regional integration," stated Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu.

The Executive Secretary highlighted the organisation's dedication to preserving peace within the member states and fostering collaboration among nations in the Horn of Africa.

Acknowledging the historical and cultural ties between Ethiopia and Somalia, Dr Workneh Gebeyehu urged IGAD leaders to be vigilant and proactive in finding a peaceful resolution to the diplomatic strain between the two nations.

He emphasised the necessity for dialogue, cooperation, and a commitment to shared values that unite the IGAD family.

"As a regional organisation, IGAD has a responsibility to play a pivotal role in defusing tensions and facilitating diplomatic solutions," Dr Gebeyehu asserted.

The Executive Secretary called for collaboration not only between the two sisterly countries but among all IGAD member states to collectively address the challenges and maintain the region's stability.