BY ADDISALEM MULAT
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is an organization that is responsible for handling a variety of important issues within the Horn and East Africa region. Unfortunately, this organization has faced a range of challenges due to the increasing number of conflicts that have been occurring throughout the region. In order to address this issue and improve IGAD’s performance, it is recommended that the organization prioritize resolving conflicts through political means.
By prioritizing political solutions, IGAD could help to reduce the frequency and intensity of conflicts in the region. Political solutions often involve dialogue and compromise, which can be highly effective at building trust between conflicting parties and promoting long-term peace and cooperation. This is particularly important in the Horn and East Africa region where ongoing conflicts have caused significant damage to infrastructure, displaced countless people, and worsened the already challenging economic and social conditions.
Moreover, choosing political conflict resolution measures over other methods can also lead to more sustainable outcomes. When political leaders are involved in finding solutions to conflicts, they are better able to address some of the underlying causes of these conflicts and develop more comprehensive strategies for resolving them. This can lead to more lasting solutions to the root problems and can help prevent future conflicts from arising.
Prioritizing political conflict resolution measures could significantly enhance IGAD’s ability to address the challenges facing the region. By doing so, IGAD could pave the way for greater stability, cooperation, and prosperity in the Horn and East Africa. Although IGAD’s goals are admirable, the organization’s performance is often found to be unsatisfactory when compared to similar regional organizations. One of the primary factors hindering IGAD’s ability to carry out its functions effectively is the frequent instabilities that occur within the region. These instabilities take many forms such as political unrest, conflicts, and economic turmoil. As a result of these challenges, IGAD’s organizational performance is affected, which ultimately inhibits the region’s development. It is crucial that IGAD addresses these obstacles to strengthen the organization’s performance and to attain its objectives in the region.
IGAD needs to find ways to address these instabilities to improve its performance and achieve its objectives effectively. This will not only strengthen IGAD’s organizational efficiency but also facilitate the growth and development of the region as a whole. Regional stability is an essential objective that needs to be achieved through political measures. In this effort, one strategy that can be employed is to make sure that the developmental plans put forth by IGAD are productive.
In order to achieve this objective, it is important for these countries to collaborate and work together towards enhancing neighborhood cooperation. This collaboration involves a concerted effort on the part of these countries to resolve conflicts in the region, which have been a significant impediment to development and progress. Therefore, by joining hands, sharing ideas, and working together towards a common goal, the IGAD member states have the potential to bring about long-lasting peace and security, thus paving the way for social and economic development in the region.
The member countries of East Africa have the potential to greatly contribute towards boosting economic growth and development in the region. The area is blessed with abundant financial and human resources that can be harnessed to benefit the local population, and indeed the wider world. However, despite having these vast resources at their disposal, the contributions of the member countries and the region as a whole have not yet met expectations. It is essential for the member countries to commit themselves to utilizing their resources in the most effective way possible for the betterment of the entire region. Through this commitment, they can achieve great things and make a positive difference in the lives of the people living within East Africa. It is only through such concerted efforts that they will be able to truly achieve their full potential and become a strong force for good in the region and beyond.
Ethiopia has a strong dedication to fostering greater cooperation and collaboration among countries in the region, which has been demonstrated through their participation in IGAD. This regional bloc is focused on promoting economic integration and social development across East Africa, and Ethiopia has played an important role in shaping its policies and strategies. As a member of IGAD, Ethiopia has been actively involved in working towards solutions to the common challenges faced by countries in the region. These challenges can include issues such as poverty, conflict, and environmental sustainability – all of which require collective action and coordination among member states.
Through its contributions to IGAD, Ethiopia has helped to develop policies and strategies that are aimed at addressing these challenges and promoting sustainable growth and development in the region. By actively participating in this regional organization, Ethiopia has solidified its position as a key player in East Africa and has demonstrated its commitment to working towards greater regional integration and cooperation. Ethiopia’s engagement in peacekeeping missions has significantly strengthened its standing and impact within IGAD. The country is recognized as one of the largest contributors of military personnel and resources to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), which is dedicated to stabilizing Somalia and fighting terrorism. Ethiopia has been playing a leading role in addressing the issues of irregular migration, human trafficking, and smuggling that persist in the region.
As part of its commitment to promoting peace and stability, Ethiopia actively participates in the initiatives established by IGAD. These initiatives have a primary focus on resolving conflicts, reinforcing economic growth, and promoting regional trade and investment. Ethiopia’s participation in these programs is driven by its acknowledgement of the essential relationship between peace, security, and economic advancement. By engaging with other IGAD member states in such initiatives, Ethiopia is able to foster mutual understanding and respect, and work towards common goals of regional integration and cooperation. Ethiopia’s contributions towards peace and stability in the Horn of Africa region through their participation in peacekeeping missions and other IGAD peace initiatives have enabled the country to assume a leadership role.
As a result, the country is recognized as an influential voice in regional affairs and has gained respect as a reliable and committed partner. Through their continued efforts in promoting peace and prosperity, Ethiopia is making a positive impact on the lives of people in the region. Apart from participating in peacekeeping missions, Ethiopia also plays a crucial role in resolving disputes between different countries in the region. Through diplomacy and mediation efforts, Ethiopia has been successful in bringing two countries to the negotiating table. Several agreements aimed at fostering peace and stability has been made through Ethiopia’s mediation efforts.
In addition to its peacekeeping and dispute resolution efforts, Ethiopia also contributes to IGAD initiatives aimed at promoting regional economic development. These programs aim to create sustainable economic growth that benefits not just Ethiopia, but also other countries in the region. By participating in these programs, Ethiopia is making a positive contribution towards promoting greater stability and security in the region. Ethiopia has become an important supporter of regional stability as a result of its active involvement in initiatives led by IGAD. The nation’s dedication to promoting peace and stability has earned it high regard from fellow IGAD member countries as well as the broader international community. One key reason for this admiration is Ethiopia’s efforts in both peacekeeping missions and diplomatic negotiations aimed at resolving long-standing conflicts.
Through its participation in IGAD initiatives, Ethiopia has played a critical role in advancing peace and stability across the Horn of Africa region. The country has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to promoting regional stability through various means, including military support, mediation efforts, and economic development programs. As such, Ethiopia’s contributions have been essential in helping to foster a more peaceful and prosperous future for the region. Ethiopia is employing the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) as the instrument to foster its cooperation with East African countries to pacify the region and overcome the pressing challenges, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) said. The premier made the above remark in the sidelines of the 14th Ordinary Session of the IGAD Assembly of Heads of State and Government that have convened in Djibouti.
Upon arrival at Djibouti, Abiy was welcomed by IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu (PhD). The summit is expected to serve as a platform for leaders from IGAD member states to deliberate on critical issues affecting the region’s peace, security, development and others. The Premier tweeted that “I met with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia and President William Ruto of Kenya on the sidelines of the IGAD Summit this morning. Given our many shared mutual interests and concerns, Ethiopia will continue working closely with each country in overcoming our common challenges.”
IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu said that the attendance of all regional leaders reflects their unwavering commitment to collaborate in tackling shared challenges that affect the region. “The Summit is meeting at a time when parts of our region are mired in serious crises and good time to look back, reflect and take stock of the progress made and identify and overcome obstacles. It allows us to take a retrospective look and agree on the way forward.”
The resumption of fighting in Khartoum, parts of Western Darfrur and El-Geneina in Northern Darfur as well as other parts of Sudan is most discouraging. IGAD call upon all parties to cease all hostilities and give dialogue a chance. “It is an opportunity to prevent the further loss of life and allow the safe evacuation of civilians who wish to escape the fighting.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 14 JUNE 2023
