EU, IGAD express commitment to further consolidate partnership

Addis Ababa, March 18, 2024 (FBC) – The European Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have been seeking active engagement to foster a deeper partnership.

The European Union and IGAD launched their first comprehensive partnership dialogue on Sunday in Djibouti, marking a significant milestone in their collaborative efforts to address peace and security challenges in the Horn of Africa and beyond.

In his opening remarks, Workneh Gebeyehu, the IGAD Executive Secretary, underscored the crucial role of IGAD-EU collaboration in addressing the complex peace and security challenges affecting the Horn of Africa and its neighboring regions.

“Today’s dialogue stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of both the EU and IGAD towards addressing the intricate peace and security challenges in the Horn of Africa and its peripheries.

Through our joint efforts, we embark on a journey of deeper collaboration, one that prioritizes mutual understanding, proactive engagement, and a shared vision for   or sustainable peace and development in the region,” Workneh noted.

Sylvie Tabesse, the EU Ambassador to Djibouti and IGAD on her part, emphasized the importance of the dialogue in fostering a deeper political partnership between the EU and IGAD.

The dialogue comes on the heels of the IGAD Capacity Building Financial Agreement, signed three weeks prior, aiming at enhancing technical and programmatic cooperation.

In its press release sent to ENA, IGAD said the recent discussions focused on political matters, particularly the peace processes in the Horn of Africa, where IGAD plays an important role.

Participants underscored the EU’s continued support for IGAD-led peace initiatives, most notably through active engagement of its Special Representative to the Horn of Africa, Annette Weber.

The discussions revolved around the current security situation in the region and beyond, according the press release.