The Somalia’s Ratification of the IGAD Treaty means that the Horn of Africa states have moved past the critical threshold, meaning the IGAD is on the path to fully utilizing its new legal framework.
The Federal Parliament of the Federal Republic of Somalia has finally ratified the IGAD Treaty, which means that two-thirds of the member states of the IGAD have ratified the treaty. This is a significant step towards the effectiveness of the treaty, which will be a big boost to the integration process.
The IGAD Treaty of 2023 succeeds the IGAD Agreement of 1996 and seeks to modernize the legal framework under which the IGAD community operates. Under the new agreement, the IGAD member states seek to strengthen cooperation on peace and security issues, climate change resilience, infrastructure development, health, trade, and overall social and economic development.
With Somalia’s ratification, the IGAD Treaty now has the backing of Somalia, Djibouti, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Kenya, which shows that there is a commitment to greater cooperation in the region. Somalia’s ratification of the IGAD Treaty can be considered a significant boost to the reform efforts of the IGAD organization.
Somalia’s Ratification of the IGAD Treaty: A Step towards Regional Integration
The IGAD Executive Secretary, H.E. Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, welcomed this move, stating that Somalia’s ratification of the IGAD Treaty played a critical part in allowing IGAD to meet the necessary two-thirds threshold.
“This ratification by the Federal Republic of Somalia helps us meet our two-thirds majority requirement and improves our legal base for more regional and collective action on trade, peace, and sustainable development for the Horn of Africa,” Dr. Workneh added.
The new treaty, according to him, gives IGAD a stronger mandate regarding the challenges faced by the region, such as conflict prevention, mediation, climate shocks, among others.
The ratification of the IGAD Treaty by Somalia in this 40th year of IGAD’s existence is therefore a significant development that comes at a time of reflection and renewal for the regional organization.
This development now paves the way for the implementation of the IGAD Treaty. Regional experts point out that Somalia’s ratification of the IGAD Treaty is an important expression of political will, particularly when cooperation among Horn of Africa nations is becoming more and more essential.
The treaty is expected to improve cooperation among governments and will result in tangible gains for millions of people in the region once it is implemented.
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