Entebbe, Uganda – (Horseed Media) The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) held an extraordinary summit on Thursday in Entebbe, Uganda to address the ongoing conflicts in Sudan and rising tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia.
The summit was chaired by Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh and attended by the leaders of Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, and Uganda. Also present were the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, the UN Secretary General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan, and envoys from Saudi Arabia, the EU, and the US.
Ethiopia-Somalia Tensions:
The Assembly expressed “deep concern” about the recent deterioration in relations between Ethiopia and Somalia, emphasizing the need for both nations to “de-escalate tensions and instead engage in constructive dialogue.” Notably, the statement reaffirmed “the cardinal principles of respect for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.” This suggests IGAD’s concerns about perceived Ethiopian encroachments on Somali territory.
Renewed Focus on Sudan:
On Sudan, the leaders reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire and inclusive dialogue to end the conflict. They emphasized Sudan belongs to all Sudanese people, not just the warring parties. IGAD expressed readiness to facilitate an all-inclusive peace process in collaboration with the AU and other stakeholders.
The communiqué welcomed the AU’s appointment of a High-Level Panel for Sudan and called on it to work closely with IGAD on facilitating the peace process.
IGAD leaders directed the IGAD Secretariat to revise its roadmap for resolving the Sudan conflict within one month and convene a Sudanese-owned process towards establishing a democratic government.
The extraordinary summit highlighted IGAD’s commitment to utilize all means to ensure a peaceful resolution in Sudan. The regional body also pledged to mobilize international support for Sudan’s peace process.
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