IGAD Ministers Push Early Action as El Niño Threatens Greater Horn of Africa
GOOBJOOG NEWS | ADDIS ABABA: IGAD member states are being urged to turn climate forecasts into early action as the Greater Horn of Africa prepares for the possibility of a strong El Niño during the October-December 2026 season, with heightened risks of intense rainfall and flooding in parts of the region.
The call emerged from a high-level IGAD ministerial forum in Addis Ababa running from Sept. 15 to 17, where governments, climate experts, humanitarian agencies and development partners discussed measures to protect vulnerable communities, livelihoods and infrastructure ahead of the anticipated weather impacts.
The forum is focused on strengthening national preparedness, improving coordination across borders and advancing anticipatory financing so that governments and humanitarian agencies can act before extreme weather causes widespread damage.
The meeting is expected to culminate in an IGAD Ministerial Call to Action and a Regional Preparedness and Early Action Technical Report, setting out measures for governments and partners ahead of the October-December season.
The emphasis on early action comes as the region faces already severe humanitarian pressures. IGAD has said around 49 million people are experiencing acute food insecurity, while internal displacement across the region exceeds 19 million.
Sudan remains a major driver of the region’s humanitarian needs, with millions facing severe food insecurity and displacement following the continuing conflict.
IGAD’s Climate Prediction and Applications Centre, ICPAC, says the Greater Horn of Africa faces an increased likelihood of enhanced rainfall during the October-December season, raising the risk of intense rainfall and flooding in parts of the region.
The regional bloc is pressing member states to ensure that early-warning information triggers concrete preparedness measures, rather than waiting for floods and other extreme-weather events to occur.
The approach is particularly important for communities already affected by food insecurity, displacement and fragile livelihoods, where additional flooding could damage crops, livestock, roads, water systems and other critical infrastructure.
The forum also brings together UN agencies and development and humanitarian partners, reflecting the need to link climate forecasting with humanitarian planning, disaster-risk management and financing.
The Addis Ababa meeting forms part of IGAD’s broader effort to strengthen regional resilience by connecting climate science and early-warning systems with government preparedness and anticipatory action.