Leaders of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (Igad) have called for a de-escalation of tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia.
The meeting, chaired by Ismail Omar Guelleh, President of Djibouti and Chairman of the Igad Heads of State and Government, reviewed the evolving situation in Sudan and the diplomatic dynamics between Ethiopia and Somalia.
The meeting was attended by presidents William Ruto of Kenya, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia, Salva Kiir of South Sudan and Yoweri Museveni of Uganda.
The leader of Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, and representatives of key international actors including the African Union, the United Nations, the League of Arab States, the European Union and the United States, were also present.
In a statement issued on Thursday from the 42nd Extraordinary Assembly of Igad Heads of State in Uganda, the presidents urged the two nations to engage in constructive dialogue.
“We are deeply concerned by the recent developments regarding the relationship between the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Federal Republic of Somalia and we call on Ethiopia and Somalia to de-escalate tensions and instead engage in a constructive dialogue,” the statement said.
The Assembly reiterated its unwavering commitment to the principles of respect for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
The leaders stressed that any diplomatic engagement must be in accordance with these cardinal principles and that any agreement or arrangement must have the express consent of Somalia.
Following escalating tensions, Igad Heads of State and Government called on Ethiopia and Somalia to de-escalate and engage in substantive dialogue, stressing the importance of maintaining peaceful relations between the neighbouring countries.
Tensions have risen after landlocked Ethiopia signed an agreement with Somaliland on January 1 to give it access to the sea.
In return, Somaliland expects Ethiopia to soon recognise the region as an independent state, angering Somalia.
The Assembly then turned its attention to the long-running conflict in Sudan, saying that the two crises were threatening regional stability in the Horn of Africa.
The Sudanese Armed Forces and the rival Rapid Support Forces have been fighting for control of Sudan since April. Long-standing tensions have erupted into street battles in the capital and other areas, including the western region of Darfur.
A statement said that Igad will continue to facilitate an all-inclusive peace process to end the conflict in close collaboration with all Sudanese stakeholders, AU, and regional and international actors.
According to the statement, Sudan belongs not only to the parties to the conflict but also to the Sudanese people. It stressed that the Sudanese people should not bear the brunt of an unjust war.
Emphasising the primary responsibility of Igad member states to ensure that the will of the Sudanese people prevails, the Assembly recalled the parties' commitment to meet face-to-face within 14 days and urged strict adherence to the deadline.
“The Igad Member States will utilise all means and capabilities to ensure the conflict in the Sudan is resolved peacefully. We direct the Igad Secretariat to provide an update to the Assembly and the Igad Secretariat, in coordination with the AUC, to revise the Roadmap for the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of Sudan, adopted at the 14th Ordinary Session of the Igad Heads of State and Government with clear timelines,” the statement said.
The assembly called on Igad, the African Union and the international community to mobilise in support of Sudan's peace process.
The establishment of a High-Level Panel on Sudan by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission was endorsed, along with a call for close cooperation with Igad and other stakeholders to navigate the complexities of the peace process.
At the conclusion of the Assembly, Igad Heads of State and Government reaffirmed their commitment to actively engage on these issues, signalling their collective determination to confront regional challenges and promote long-term peace and stability in the volatile Horn of Africa.
