Somalia’s federal parliament commenced the first reading of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Treaty on Monday, marking a significant step in the country’s regional integration efforts.
The treaty, which was approved by the Somali Cabinet in March 2025, has now been formally introduced to parliament for legislative deliberation. The reading is the initial phase of the parliamentary process, which will include debates, committee reviews, and subsequent readings before a final vote is taken.
IGAD, a regional bloc consisting of eight member states in East Africa, plays a critical role in fostering cooperation on security, development, trade, and environmental issues. Somalia’s formal adoption of the IGAD Treaty would reaffirm its commitment to regional collaboration and bolster its voice within the organization.
Legislators emphasized the importance of aligning Somalia’s laws with regional frameworks to promote stability, economic growth, and diplomatic engagement. The Speaker of Parliament encouraged lawmakers to approach the treaty with careful consideration and national interest in mind.
Further parliamentary discussions are expected in the coming weeks as Somalia moves closer to ratifying the treaty and deepening its role within IGAD.