By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with
Published on 2024-01-20 05:53:58
East Africa’s Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is taking steps to address the ongoing conflict in Sudan and the tension between Ethiopia and Somalia. During a recent IGAD meeting in Kampala, the organization set a two-week deadline for Sudan’s warring factions to meet face-to-face and work towards de-escalating the situation.
The IGAD meeting emphasized the need to respect Somalia’s integrity and condemned the conflict and political tension in the Horn of Africa and Sudan as disturbing and devastating. Djibouti President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, who serves as the IGAD chairperson, highlighted the urgency of addressing the challenging times the region is facing.
The conflict in Sudan, which began in April, has resulted in the displacement of 7 million people and the loss of 12,000 lives. In response to these developments, the heads of state at the IGAD summit outlined their demands to the warring factions, emphasizing that the conflict must be resolved without external interference. They also condemned the ongoing conflict and expressed concern about the use of mass killings and rape as weapons of war.
Furthermore, the IGAD meeting addressed the relations between Ethiopia and Somalia, particularly a recent memorandum of understanding between Ethiopia and Somaliland. The agreement gives Ethiopia access to the sea in exchange for considering recognition of Somaliland as an independent country. The IGAD reaffirmed the importance of any agreements involving Somaliland to also include Somalia.
The United States, through special envoy Mike Hammer, expressed concerns about the agreement and its potential to disrupt the fight against terrorist group al-Shabaab. Additionally, the African Union Commission chairperson urged both Somalia and Ethiopia to engage without delay, recognizing that the tension compounds an already difficult time for the region.
The IGAD meeting brought together various stakeholders, including heads of state, representatives of international organizations, and regional leaders, to address the complex challenges facing East Africa. The organization’s efforts aim to alleviate the conflict and political tension in the region and prevent further humanitarian crises.
Read the original article on The Observer
