By Ayele Addis Ambelu (ayeleradio@gmail.com)

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), initially founded by the United Nations in the mid-1980s, aimed to combat locust epidemics and drought in East Africa. Over the years, IGAD has transformed into a pivotal organization addressing peace, security, and economic cooperation in a region frequently marred by conflicts and instability.

Evolution and Expansion of Mandate

Established as the Intergovernmental Authority on Drought and Development (IGADD), the organization’s primary focus was drought prevention and development strategies. Eritrea and South Sudan later joined the founding members of Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, and Uganda. By 1996, IGAD expanded its mandate to include peace and security, adapting to the changing geopolitical landscape.

Dr. Adane Gebresemres, a peace, security, and governance consultant, explained, “In 1996, peace and security, economic cooperation, and unity continued to work, reflecting the need to prepare for upcoming opportunities and challenges.”

Achievements in Peacekeeping

Despite initial struggles, IGAD has made notable strides in peacekeeping. Dr. Adane Ghanawi acknowledged IGAD’s efforts: “He has done effective work on drought, meteorology, and environmental protection. He has been working not only by expanding knowledge but also by providing training to strengthen the capacity of human resources.”

IGAD was crucial in mediating peace between Sudan and South Sudan, leading to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005. The organization’s efforts in Somalia have also been significant, supporting the establishment of the Transitional Federal Government and subsequent federal structures.

Dr. Yonas Adaye, a lecturer at Addis Ababa University, highlighted IGAD’s impact on regional security, particularly in combating cross-border terrorism. “The work he is doing in preventing cross-border attacks related to Al-Shabaab and similar terrorist groups is commendable,” he noted.

Despite successes, IGAD faces significant challenges. Dr. Adaye noted the organization’s limited success in executing political missions, partly due to internal conflicts among member states, such as the Ethio-Eritrea border war. The lack of solid economic ties among member states has also hindered cooperation, making disputes easier.

Comparing IGAD to other African regional organizations, Dr. Yonas pointed out, “If we compare it with the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the East African Community, we can see many differences.”

Structural issues and weak governance in some member states, such as Somalia, have further complicated IGAD’s peacekeeping efforts. “Weak governments like Somalia in the region open the way for groups like Al-Shabaab and ISIS to carry out cross-border attacks and terror,” Dr. Yonas explained.

Role and Regional Dynamics

IGAD member states have played a significant role in IGAD’s establishment and operations. However, its dominance has sometimes led to tensions within the organization. Dr. Adane remarked, “The Ethiopian-Eritrean war broke out, and Ethiopia used its dominance over the institution. They took a diplomatic edge. But Eritrea felt isolation.”

Despite these challenges, Member’s influence has generally been positive. Dr. Yonas observed, “The foreign policy used by Ethiopia to live in cooperation and peace with the neighboring countries has made the biggest contribution to this.”

Eritrea’s Return and Future Prospects

After a 16-year hiatus, Eritrea recently rejoined IGAD, marking a significant step towards regional unity. Dr. Jonas emphasized the importance of Eritrea’s return, stating, “Eritrea’s return to IGAD has a positive role to show African identity. It is necessary to cooperate with other countries to grow.”

IGAD Secretary General Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu highlighted the organization’s future focus on strengthening peace efforts and addressing climate change-induced droughts. “Strengthening the peace efforts started in East African countries and preventing drought are the next focuses of IGAD in 2023,” he said.

Highlighting IGAD’s Role in Peace and Security

1. Founding and Early Focus:

• “In 1996, peace and security, economic cooperation, and unity continued to work, reflecting the need to prepare for upcoming opportunities and challenges.” – Dr. Adane Gebresemres, peace, security, and governance consultant.

2. Achievements in Peacekeeping:

• “He has effectively worked on drought, meteorology, and environmental protection. He has been working not only by expanding knowledge but also by providing training to strengthen the capacity of human resources.” – Dr. Adane Ghanawi, discussing IGAD’s broader impact.
• “The work he is doing in preventing cross-border attacks related to Al-Shabaab and similar terrorist groups is commendable.” – Dr. Jonas Adaye, lecturer at Addis Ababa University.

3. Mediation Efforts and Conflict Resolution:

• “IGAD was the leading actor in stopping the war between Sudan and South Sudan.” – Dr. Adane Ghanawi.
• “IGAD’s role in the efforts to combat the problems in the East African region is significant. The drought caused by climate change, Covid-19 epidemic, and other man-made and natural problems were the region’s challenges.” – Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, IGAD Secretary General.
• “The organization announced that it has made diplomatic efforts to prevent the border dispute between Ethiopia and Sudan from turning into a separate war.” – Commander Abebe Muluneh, director of IGAD’s security sector program.

4. Ethiopia’s Influence:

• “The foreign policy used by Ethiopia to live in cooperation and peace with the neighboring countries has made the biggest contribution to this.” – Dr. Jonas Adaye.
• “The Ethiopian-Eritrean war broke out, and Ethiopia used its dominance over the institution. She took a diplomatic edge. But Eritrea felt isolation.” – Dr. Adane Gebresemres.

5. Eritrea’s Return and Strategic Importance:

• “Eritrea’s return to IGAD has a positive role in showing African identity. It is necessary to cooperate with other countries to grow.” – Dr. Jonas Adaye.
• “Strengthening the peace efforts started in East African countries and preventing drought are the next focuses of IGAD in 2023.” – Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu.

6. Future Goals:

• “Strengthening the peace efforts started in East African countries and preventing drought are the next focuses of IGAD in 2023.” – Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu.
• “The main objective of IGAD is to create regional integration between the peoples and governments of the member countries.” – Commander Abebe Muluneh.

These quotes reflect IGAD’s significant efforts in mediating peace, addressing security challenges, and promoting regional cooperation despite facing numerous obstacles.

Despite numerous challenges, IGAD’s role in promoting peace and security in East Africa remains crucial. By mediating conflicts, fostering regional cooperation, and addressing environmental issues, IGAD strives for stability and development in a region characterized by complexity and volatility. Strengthening institutional capacities and ensuring member states’ commitment will be vital for IGAD’s ongoing efforts to promote peace and security.

After ten years, in 1996, this regional organization expanded its aims and objectives and re-emerged with a new reform. Although drought did not disappear from the surrounding countries, it was enough to retain the current name by removing the suffix drought.

“At a time when the international conditions are changing, these countries of the Horn of Africa have been able to strengthen the alliance in a new way and give a wide mission in order to prepare for the upcoming opportunities and challenges. According to this, in 1996, peace and security, economic cooperation and unity continued to work,” said Adane Gebresemres (Dr.), a peace, security and good governance consultant at the Southern African Community Development Organization (SADEC).

The Ethio-Eritrea border war broke out when the regional union was ready to put its work into action. Dr. Adane remembers that this created a situation of division among the members. They explain that he was not successful in executing his goals and plans, especially his political missions.

Dr. Adane Ghanawi states that IGAD’s performance is low regarding its goals but believes that the union has achieved great results since its establishment.

“He has effectively worked on drought, meteorology, and environmental protection. He has been working not only by expanding knowledge but also by providing training to strengthen the capacity of human resources and to ensure cooperation between the countries. IGAD was the leading actor in stopping the war between Sudan and South Sudan.

Yonas Adaye (Dr.) lectures at Addis Ababa University Peace and Security Studies Institute and is an Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission Commissioner.

He mentions that Igad’s journey was not a bed in a bed.

He said he is doing good things as an economic regional force. The work he is doing in preventing cross-border attacks related to Al-Shabaab and similar terrorist groups is commendable.”

IGAD member states are known for both internal and external wars. Many of the citizens of the local countries are also seen being deported from the region.

“In light of this, his work to stop wars in the current context points out that his efforts to give hope to development, especially to the youth, are excellent.

Adane (Dr.) compares IGAD with other African regional economic communities and describes it as “not able to advance much”.

“If we compare it with the Southern African Development Cooperation Conference (SADEC), the Economic Community of West African Countries (ECOWAS), and the East African Community, we can see many differences,” they asserted.

“The main issue is the lack of strong cooperation between the countries,” he said. It has quickly led to conflicts between member states. Since the economic ties are not strong, it will be easy for the countries to enter into conflict.

Dr. Jonas also compares the Igad with the ECOWAS of West Africa. They point out that they have reached the point of deposing the powerful groups in the region, that they are united in development beyond the use of a single passport, and that they say, “IGAD has a long way to go.”

They point out that due to the many structural problems of the local countries, “they have not stopped doubting each other” and that the institution has not progressed as expected.

“Weak governments like Somalia in the region open the way for groups like al-Shabaab and ISIS to carry out cross-border attacks and terror, so [IGAD] has not yet built the capacity to deal with them,” he said.

Dr. Yonas points out that institutionalized and inherited problems are one reason people do not travel as much as others.

IGAD also has regional and global implications.

He said that countries like Djibouti in the region have taken over the military bases of many countries and put aside their citizens’ agendas. “They are using the IGAD to implement their agenda.”

Sadek’s Peace, Security and Good Governance Adviser, Adanem (Dr.) agrees.

“This kind of leadership is visible in all regional collaborations. It is not only visible in Igad. South Africa has an important role in SADC. “If we look at the West African ECOWAS, Nigeria will dominate,” he explained.

Countries’ economic, military, population, and size are cited as reasons for their dominance in societies. Another says that it stems from the desire of foreign powers to keep these economic societies under the control of a few countries.

“When they want to create local pressure like America, China, and other countries, they don’t go to small countries. They want to fulfill their needs through countries that can bring them many things and put pressure on them. Based on this, Ethiopia is expected to put pressure on IGAD.

He added, “However, did Ethiopia’s “excessive” pressure on IGAD and its dominance benefit or harm the alliance? Did it help him achieve his goals? From the point of view of that, it has led to the creation of issues that we have raised as weaknesses,” Dr. Adane told the BBC.

Supporting this with an example, “When the Ethiopian-Eritrean war broke out, Ethiopia used its dominance over the institution.” She took a diplomatic edge. But Eritrea felt isolated. Due to this sense of isolation, she was able to leave by realizing that she could not come to negotiations under regional ties and that it would not be useful.

Adane (Dr.) points out that Kenya and Uganda are members of the East African Community in addition to IGAD. Still, both countries give priority to the East African cooperation platform, and they do not have the desire to dominate IGAD.

Dr. Yonas also agrees that Ethiopia played an essential role in IGAD.

They add that Ethiopia’s foreign policy of cooperating and pacifying neighboring countries has made the biggest contribution to this.

He also recalled that Ethiopia had a leadership role in IGAD for years and that differences had arisen. Still, I think Ethiopia has a good voice in IGAD. I know that the IGAD organization works in each of its member countries, especially on security and development. Ethiopia’s role in this is positive and beneficial to others.”

The IGAD, led by the Ethiopian Dr. Workneh Gebeyhu, mentioned that it played a crucial role in peacefully ending the war in northern Ethiopia from Pretoria to Nairobi.

Dr. Yonas, who says, “The beauty of peace does not have the beauty of war,” points out that living in peace with neighboring countries is one measure of peace.

“Eritrea’s return to IGAD has a positive role in demonstrating African identity. Cooperation with other countries is necessary for growth. Working with others in diplomacy, business, and other fields is reassuring, if not a complete guarantee of her inner peace; I think it is a hope for the future.

“Secondly, it is a great strategic move for the administration to live with the neighbors. I think living together and growing together is political maturity (development),” Yonas told the Africa News Channel.

“If we look at the Horn of Africa, it is important to combine, integrate, and cooperate to overcome drought, security, and other problems, especially poverty. “Eritrea can benefit a lot from this,” said Dr. Adane, stating that any change in the region will be good for the country and not harmful.

Therefore, the doctor believes that returning to the regional union will be “like returning to the family” and a good opportunity for the country and other member countries.

“Why did she come back now?” He pointed out that it is appropriate to raise a question, citing the fact that there have been many changes in the area in the past three years. One is because the political change in Ethiopia has not only caused a crisis, but there are also opportunities.”

Global geopolitical interests: In particular, the creation of domains in the Ukraine-Russia war and the expansion of China’s geostrategic interests have made the Horn of Africa desirable.

They say that the resolution of long-standing tension between Ethiopia and Eritrea has created a favorable environment for the country to return to membership as the main reason, “It is because it realizes that it cannot maintain the diplomatic relations that it has recently been strengthening with China and Russia alone, so it wants to return to the regional union.”

He added, “If Eritrea wants to take advantage of the geo-strategic opportunities of the Red Sea, it cannot do it alone.” It is done by merging with other countries. The return of Eritrea to IGAD may be due to the new desire and direction of the new Kenyan President, William Ruto,” explained Dr. Jonas.

Like ECOWAS, if there is one passport for all IGAD countries, they believe that if the unity of not only economic but also security and safety is gradually created, the widespread poverty in the surrounding countries can be alleviated.

“I think it is beneficial for all of us to work together to solve the problems of climate change,” he said.

IGAD’s next focus is strengthening the peace efforts started by the countries of the region and preventing drought, according to Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu.

Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, Secretary General of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development of East Africa (IGAD), said that strengthening the peace efforts started in East African countries and preventing drought are the next focuses of IGAD in 2023.

The Inter-Governmental Organization for East African Development (IGAD) has announced that the Ethiopian Federal Government and the TPLF have successfully negotiated a ceasefire before and after the agreement.
This intergovernmental regional cooperation organization works to ensure food security, strengthen economic cooperation, and strengthen peace and security in the region.
Commander Abebe Muluneh, the director of the organization’s security and security sector program and the head of the IGAD mission in Ethiopia, told Africa News Channel in particular that the Ethiopian government has carried out the work of bringing together and mediating the peace talks on Zanzibar with a group called OLF Shene, and is still pushing this work forward.

It has been stated that the IGAD has helped the leaders of the two countries to find a peaceful solution by connecting the leaders of the two countries in Kenya so that the border dispute between Ethiopia and Sudan does not become a separate military command.

From 1986 To 2010, since the institutional change, the IGAD, which is said to be making concrete efforts to ensure food security in its member countries, strengthen economic cooperation, and maintain peace and security by agreeing for North and South Sudan to be signed, by establishing a transitional federal government in Somalia, which is occupied by warlords, in South Sudan. By intervening in the conflict and holding a meeting of the leaders, he did the activities of rapprochement and reconciliation, as well as
The organization announced that it had made diplomatic efforts to prevent the border dispute between Ethiopia and Sudan from becoming a separate war.

The director of the organization’s security and security sector program and the head of the IGAD mission in Ethiopia, Commander Abebe Muluneh, who stated that the internal killers of the peace and security of the countries are also interfering, said that the IGAD “had a major role” in the reconciliation process in the recent war between the Ethiopian government and the TPLF in northern Ethiopia.
At the same time, he is “leading efforts” to solve the problem by calling on the leaders of the neighboring countries to stop the urban war caused by the conflict between the country’s leaders in Sudan. He said.
The organization’s official stated that the main objective of IGAD is to create regional integration between the peoples and governments of the member countries, even if the environment is inseparable from chaos and conflict and the increasing interference of many foreign powers does not hinder its work.
IGAD, like the African Union, is criticized from different angles for being a group that cannot do strong work. However, according to Commander Abebe Muluneh, director of the organization’s security and safety sector program and head of IGAD’s mission in Ethiopia, IGAD is actually “growing well.”IGAD, headquartered in Djibouti, consists of Ethiopia, the two Sudans, Somalia, Uganda, and Kenya. Eritrea is currently not a member of the group.

IGAD Secretary General Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu told ESA that IGAD’s role in the efforts to combat problems in the East African region is significant. He said the region’s challenges included drought caused by climate change, the COVID-19 epidemic, and other man-made and natural problems. He stated that regional institutions such as IGAD are helpful tools for turning decisions passed by the African Union into action.

He said IGAD has contributed significantly to resolving the border dispute between Ethiopia and Sudan through dialogue.

He said he has made great efforts to peacefully end the civil conflict in South Sudan.

IGAD said that it is working hard to strengthen the relationship between the countries by improving the peace efforts that started in the countries of the region where conflict occurred. The current chairman of the East African Inter-Governmental Development Organization (IGAD), Djibouti President Ismail Omar Gile, following the memorandum of understanding signed by Ethiopia and Somaliland, called a special meeting to discuss the dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia and the current Sudan crisis.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Djibouti, the president of Djibouti had a telephone consultation with his Ugandan counterpart, President Yoweri Museveni, and accepted Uganda’s request to host the meeting. Accordingly, the special meeting of IGAD will be held next week on Thursday, January 9, 2016. He announced that it would be held.

President Ismail Omar Gile called the special IGAD meeting, following the usual procedure, not through the general secretary of the IGAD office, Workneh Gebeyehu (Dr.), but directly by the IGAD chairman.

Therefore, the Djibouti Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has taken responsibility for sending official invitations to the IGAD member countries participating in the emergency meeting, the African Union, and international partners.

It is known that the President of Djibouti has ordered the IGAD office in Djibouti to take the necessary responsibility to ensure that the representatives of the IGAD member countries participating in the meeting attend the meeting on the scheduled date and place and to take the steps needed to prepare the meeting in cooperation with the relevant Ugandan government bodies.

Ethiopia and Somaliland December 22, 2016 It should be remembered that they signed a memorandum of understanding in Addis Ababa. Among the contents of the memorandum of understanding, Somaliland will provide a seat and a sea gate to the Ethiopian Navy in its territory. The Ethiopian government will recognize Somaliland, which has established an autonomous government after breaking away from Somalia, and give it a share that will be adjusted to the lease price of the sea gate that Somaliland will lease to Ethiopia. He agreed to give it to the airline.

Following the announcement of this agreement, Somalia accuses the Ethiopian government of violating its sovereignty and territorial integrity and has rejected the memorandum of understanding. The United Nations, the European Union, the African Union, the US government, and many other countries have accepted Somalia’s appeal and shown their solidarity with Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohammed, visited Eritrea last week and discussed the issue. In addition, President Isaias Afwerki has been invited by President Al-Sisi to attend further discussions in Egypt.

Following the signing of the memorandum of understanding, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (Dr.), who was under diplomatic pressure, on Friday, January 3, 2016. They visited the resort they built in West Shoa with the Chairman of the African Union Commission and Secretary General of IGAD, Workneh Gebeyehu.

The Prime Minister’s National Security Adviser, Redwan Hussain (Ambassador), said in a message posted on his social media page on Friday that despite the diplomatic pressure on Ethiopia, Ethiopia will overcome this.

“We achieved the construction of the Great Renaissance Dam not by being applauded, but by being sent from near and far, the drum of threats being beaten, threats and intimidation being evaluated on the ground and in the air, we withstood all kinds of pressure,” said Redwan (Ambassador).

IGAD’s Peace and Security Architecture

1. Conflict Prevention and Early Warning Mechanisms:
   • CEWARN: The Conflict Early Warning and Response Mechanism (CEWARN) was established in 2002. It aims to anticipate and prevent violent conflicts through systematic data collection and analysis. CEWARN collaborates with member states to monitor potential conflict triggers and facilitate timely responses.
2. Mediation and Peace Processes:
   • IGAD has played a crucial role in mediating peace agreements. Notable examples include the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005, which ended the second Sudanese civil war, and the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (ARCSS) in 2015.
   • The organization employs Special Envoys and mediation teams to engage conflicting parties and facilitate dialogue.
3. Peace Support Operations:
   • IGAD’s peace support initiatives include the deployment of monitoring and verification missions. For instance, the IGAD Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (MVM) was established to oversee the cessation of hostilities in South Sudan.
   • Collaboration with the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN) enhances the efficacy of these operations through joint missions and resource sharing.
4. Capacity Building and Institutional Support:
   • IGAD focuses on strengthening the institutional capacities of member states to manage and resolve conflicts internally. This includes training programs for security personnel, enhancing legal frameworks, and promoting good governance practices.

Key Achievements and Challenges

Achievements

• Sudan Peace Process: The 2005 CPA, brokered under IGAD’s auspices, was a significant milestone that led to South Sudan’s independence in 2011.
• Somalia Peace Efforts: IGAD has been instrumental in the Somali peace process, supporting establishing the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and subsequent federal structures.
• South Sudan Peace Process: Despite ongoing challenges, IGAD’s mediation efforts have been pivotal in bringing conflicting parties to the negotiation table, culminating in several peace agreements.

Challenges

• Political Will and Sovereignty: Member states’ political interests and sovereignty issues often complicate IGAD’s mediation efforts. Ensuring commitment to peace agreements remains a significant hurdle.
• Resource Constraints: Limited financial and logistical resources hinder the organization’s ability to effectively implement and sustain peace initiatives.
• Regional Rivalries: Geopolitical rivalries within the Horn of Africa, such as those between Ethiopia and Eritrea, can undermine collective security efforts.

Current and Future Directions

IGAD continues to adapt to the region’s evolving security landscape. Recent initiatives focus on:

• Counterterrorism: Addressing the growing threat of terrorism, notably from groups like Al-Shabaab in Somalia.
• Climate Security: Recognizing the link between climate change and conflict, IGAD is incorporating environmental sustainability into its peace and security strategies.
• Youth and Gender Inclusion: Promoting the inclusion of women and youth in peace processes to ensure more comprehensive and sustainable peace agreements.

IGAD’s role in peace and security within the Horn of Africa is indispensable. While the organization faces numerous challenges, its continued conflict prevention, mediation, and capacity-building efforts are crucial for regional stability. Strengthening IGAD’s institutional capacity and securing more significant commitment from member states and international partners will be vital for the success of its peace and security agenda.