IGAD appreciates Ethiopia’s steps towards humanitarian access, peace

Addis Ababa, July 5, 2022 (FBC) – The Assembly of the 39th IGAD Heads of State and Government at their meeting in Nairobi adopted a communique on various issues.

In its communiqué, the Assembly appreciated the positive steps taken by the Government of Ethiopia towards humanitarian access and peaceful resolution of the conflict affecting the northern part of the country.

IGAD commended progress made in South Sudan so far in the implementation of the peace agreement of 2018 and called up the Transitional Government of National Unity and parties to draw up a road map with clear benchmarks and realistic timelines to complete the remaining tasks including the conduct of elections.

The Assembly noted with concern the humanitarian and health situation in the region and called on international partners to urgently scale up humanitarian assistance.

The blog also acknowledged the increasing pacts of climate variability and change in the IGAD region on security, socioeconomic wellbeing and development.

Appreciated African Union’s continued complimentary role and support in IGAD’s efforts in the area of political transition and fight against violent extremism.

IGAD further expressed alarm regarding the serious drought situation in the region, predicted to be the worst in 40 years, and fully aware of the need to manage it early and effectively, resolved that Member States shall work more collaboratively and closely to respond to the current situation and further continue to come up with permanent solutions to the chronic challenge of drought and food insecurity that continues to plague the region