(19-01-24) KAMPALA (Halqabsi News) — The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has solidified its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Government of Somalia. At the 42nd IGAD summit in Uganda’s capital on Friday, Kampala, regional leaders issued a joint statement underscoring the necessity for Somalia’s approval in any agreements involving its territory, particularly in light of the recent Ethiopia-Somaliland deal.
The summit, initiated at the behest of the Republic of Djibouti and presided over by Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, brought together the heads of IGAD member states to deliberate on the burgeoning relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia. The meeting highlighted three critical areas of consensus:
Regional Concern: IGAD expressed profound apprehension regarding the evolving relationship between the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Upholding Sovereignty: The regional bloc emphasised the paramount importance of preserving Somalia’s independence, unity, and territorial wholeness. It was stressed that all negotiations and agreements should conform to these principles and receive the formal sanction of the Somali Federal Government.
Encouraging Dialogue: The organisation called for Ethiopia and Somalia to ease tensions and pursue effective, diplomatic dialogue.
Somalia’s President presented a compelling case to the IGAD leadership, spotlighting the potentially destabilising impact of Ethiopia’s involvement on the unity and stability of Somalia and the Horn of Africa at large.
Halqabsi News
