Somalia Hails Sudan’s Return to IGAD

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: Somalia has welcomed Sudan’s decision to resume full participation in the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), describing the move as a boost to regional cooperation and collective efforts to address security and development challenges in the Horn of Africa.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Federal Republic of Somalia said it “warmly welcomes” the decision by the brotherly Government of the Republic of Sudan to return to IGAD, underscoring the importance of regional cooperation as a foundation for effective international engagement and the preservation of peace and security.

Somalia also praised the diplomatic efforts of the Republic of Djibouti, led by President Ismail Omar Guelleh, in his capacity as chair of the current IGAD Summit, saying the mediation played a vital role in facilitating Sudan’s return and reflected the spirit of regional solidarity and shared responsibility.

Sudan’s relationship with IGAD has been strained since the outbreak of the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces in April 2023. In early 2024, Khartoum announced its withdrawal from the regional bloc following disagreements over IGAD-led mediation initiatives, including criticism of the organisation’s engagement with Sudanese military leadership and its approach to resolving the conflict. The exit was widely seen as a setback for regional diplomacy at a time when Sudan was facing one of the gravest humanitarian and security crises in its history.

IGAD has also welcomed Sudan’s return describing the return as an important step toward strengthening regional dialogue and coordinated responses to the crisis in Sudan. IGAD officials have said Sudan’s participation is essential for collective efforts on peace, security, humanitarian access, and long-term stability in the Horn of Africa.

Somalia’s statement noted that Sudan’s return, given its historical, political, and geographical significance within the region, would inject renewed momentum into IGAD’s work and enhance its capacity to address shared challenges, particularly in the areas of peace, security, and sustainable development.

The Somali government reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with Sudan and all IGAD member states to deepen cooperation, uphold the principles of brotherhood and collective action, and advance the shared aspirations of the peoples of the region.