The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has concluded a week of high-level engagements at the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government and the 48th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council in Addis Ababa, advancing the Horn of Africa’s priorities in peace and security, climate resilience, sustainable water management, and regional economic integration.
Led by Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, the IGAD delegation used the continental platform to strengthen alignment with Africa’s long-term development blueprint, Agenda 2063, as well as the African Union’s 2026 Theme of the Year focused on sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems.
A key highlight of IGAD’s participation was a groundwater investments side event held in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on 10 February.
The session underscored groundwater’s potential as a critical yet underutilised resource for climate resilience and water security across the drought-prone Horn of Africa.
Dr. Workneh described groundwater as a strategic asset capable of supporting economic stability, safeguarding human dignity, and building long-term resilience to climate shocks.
IGAD also marked the successful conclusion of its one-year chairmanship of the Inter-Regional Economic Communities (REC) Coordination and Cooperation Platform, formally handing over leadership to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) on 13 February.
During its tenure, IGAD strengthened collaboration among RECs and reinforced partnerships with African Union institutions to accelerate continental integration.
On the diplomatic front, the regional bloc welcomed the Republic of Sudan’s return to IGAD membership and held discussions with Sudanese Foreign Minister Mohi El Din Salem on pathways to peace, security, and cooperation.
Additional bilateral talks with Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos focused on shared priorities for regional stability.
IGAD further reaffirmed its commitment to lasting peace in South Sudan through participation in the African Union Ad Hoc High-Level Committee (C5) meeting, while also joining fellow RECs in strategic dialogue with African Development Bank President Dr. Sidi Ould Tah on the proposed New African Financial Architecture.
The organisation expressed support for the initiative, noting its alignment with IGAD’s Strategy 2026–2030 and its potential to strengthen Africa’s financial sovereignty and development capacity.
Through these engagements, IGAD projected the Horn of Africa’s concerns onto the continental stage, deepened cooperation with member states and development partners, and reinforced the region’s role in shaping Africa’s peace, resilience, and integration agenda.
Dr. Workneh said the summit demonstrated the power of collective African action and reaffirmed IGAD’s determination to translate commitments into tangible improvements for communities across the region.
The delegation also expressed appreciation to the African Union, the Government of Ethiopia, fellow regional blocs, and development partners for their collaboration, pledging continued cooperation in implementing the outcomes of the 39th AU Summit.