IGAD chief lauds Ethiopia’s ratification of establishing treaty, urges other member states to follow suit

Addis Ababa, February 26, 2024 (FBC) – The Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Workneh Gebeyehu, has commended Ethiopia for ratifying of the bloc’s new establishing treaty by the Council of Ministers on Saturday 24 February.

In a statement communicated today, IGAD indicated that Ethiopia and Djibouti are the only Member States to ratify its establishing treaty so far.

Recall that the Council of Ministers of Ethiopia during its 27th regular session has formally endorsed the IGAD treaty for ratification by the Parliament.

It is noted that this step signifies the commencement of the renewal of the existing IGAD treaty, in effect for the past 36 years.

The new IGAD treaty was adopted by Heads of State and Government during the 14th Ordinary Session of the IGAD Summit held in Djibouti on June 12, 2023. The treaty extends and diversifies areas of cooperation among member states and with the international community.

In that regard, IGAD Executive Secretary, Workneh Gebeyehu, commended the Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed for his “exemplary leadership in this significant endeavor”.

Ethiopia’s commitment to the IGAD treaty ratification process emphasizes its unwavering dedication to regional cooperation, showcasing commendable commitment to fostering international collaboration within the IGAD framework, IGAD further stated.

Via the statement, Workneh encouraged other member states to follow Ethiopia and Djibouti’s lead in ratifying the establishing treaty, fostering the shared commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and unity among IGAD nations.