MOGADISHU — The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has officially welcomed the ratification of the new IGAD Treaty by the Somali Federal Parliament, stating that the move will spur regional cooperation across East Africa.
The regional bloc stated that the endorsement marked a significant milestone in Somalia’s engagement with regional mechanisms for peace, development, and cooperation.
“I commend the Somali parliament and government for their decisive leadership in advancing this important milestone,” IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu said in a statement.
Deepening Regional Integration
The new treaty, adopted in June 2023, replaces the original 1996 agreement. It aims to deepen regional integration by focusing on critical sectors such as peace and security, climate resilience, economic development, and digital governance.
By ratifying the document, Somalia joins fellow member states Djibouti, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Kenya. IGAD noted that this move reaffirms Mogadishu’s support for the collective aspirations of the region and the principles of mutual respect and partnership.
Reaching the Threshold
According to Executive Secretary Gebeyehu, Somalia’s ratification comes as IGAD marks its 40th anniversary. Crucially, this ratification helps the bloc reach the required two-thirds threshold, thereby strengthening the legal foundation for deeper integration and more coordinated action in trade and sustainable development across the Horn of Africa.
The Executive Secretary added that the bloc remains committed to working closely with all member states to advance the treaty’s implementation.
