Somalia’s Federal Parliament has ratified the new treaty governing the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), a move regional officials say will strengthen cooperation on peace, security and development across the Horn of Africa.
The House of the People approved the IGAD Treaty, replacing the organisation’s 1996 Agreement with an updated legal and institutional framework aimed at deepening integration among member states.
In a statement, IGAD said the ratification marks a significant milestone in Somalia’s engagement with regional mechanisms and brings the organisation closer to full implementation of the new treaty.
“I extend my warm congratulations to the Federal Republic of Somalia on the ratification of the IGAD Treaty, and commend the Somali Parliament and Government for their decisive leadership in advancing this important milestone,” IGAD Executive Secretary Dr Workneh Gebeyehu said.
According to IGAD, the 2023 treaty is designed to enhance cooperation in key areas including peace and security, climate resilience, infrastructure development, health, trade and social development.
Somalia becomes the fifth country to ratify the treaty, joining Djibouti, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Kenya. The ratifications allow IGAD to meet the two-thirds threshold required to operationalise the new framework.
“As IGAD marks its 40th anniversary, the ratification by the Federal Republic of Somalia helps us reach the required two-thirds threshold, bringing us closer to operationalisation,” Dr Gebeyehu said. “It also strengthens the legal foundation for deeper regional integration and more coordinated action in trade, peace and sustainable development across the Horn of Africa.”
He added that the treaty would support “a stronger, more united and more resilient region for our peoples.”
IGAD said the new treaty provides a revitalised foundation for collective action on regional priorities, particularly in addressing cross-border challenges such as insecurity, climate shocks and economic development.
The regional bloc said it will continue working with member states to implement the treaty and advance regional integration across the Horn of Africa.