IGAD Secretary Warns of Regional Financial Strain
The head of IGAD has urged member states to address critical funding gaps and institutional weaknesses that threaten the bloc's ability to manage ongoing crises in the Horn of Africa.
Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu has issued a stark warning that the Intergovernmental Authority on Development is facing significant financial and institutional pressure. Speaking during the opening of the 74th Extraordinary Session of the IGAD Council of Ministers in Djibouti, Gebeyehu described the situation as measurable but solvable, emphasizing that the strain is directly tied to the organization's capacity to respond to mounting regional emergencies.
According to the IGAD chief, the financial challenges have emerged while the region grapples with multiple concurrent crises, including armed conflict, widespread food insecurity, and mass displacement. Gebeyehu highlighted that nearly 49 million people in the region are currently acutely food insecure, while more than 19 million have been displaced within their own countries. He noted that external conflicts are also impacting IGAD member states through disruptions to ports, fuel supplies, and humanitarian budgets.
Urgent Calls for Financial Stabilization
Gebeyehu requested three specific actions from the Council of Ministers to prevent recurring funding problems. He asked leaders to stabilize essential operations immediately, settle historical arrears in an orderly manner, and establish a robust financing framework. The Secretary argued that the organization cannot afford to allow financial difficulties to weaken its operational capacity, particularly as it seeks to strengthen its role in resolving conflicts in Sudan and South Sudan.
The remarks come at a time when IGAD is under increasing pressure to demonstrate its effectiveness in mediation efforts. The bloc has previously acknowledged shortcomings in its conflict resolution strategies and has called for greater commitment from member states to support its programs. By presenting a detailed report on the organization's institutional condition and performance, Gebeyehu aims to secure the necessary political and financial backing to sustain these critical functions.
Progress Amidst Operational Challenges
Despite the financial warnings, the IGAD chief pointed to several areas of progress achieved in the first half of the year. According to the report, 77 percent of the organization's priority areas were on track, and its early warning system exceeded targets for decision-support products. The organization also supported three election observation missions, including those in Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Uganda, which Gebeyehu said were held under successful observation.
Additional progress was noted in health and infrastructure sectors. The regional universal health coverage index rose from 60 to 65, moving closer to the 2027 target of 70. Furthermore, the regional groundwater information system maintained high availability across thousands of monitored water sources, and anticipatory action frameworks are now operating in four of the bloc's seven member states. These achievements suggest that the organization remains capable of delivering results, provided that financial stability is restored.
New Treaty Era and Future Outlook
The meeting coincides with a significant transition as IGAD moves into a new treaty framework. Gebeyehu announced that the new treaty, which replaces the 1996 agreement, has secured ratifications from five of the seven member states, allowing it to formally enter into force. The updated agreement is intended to strengthen regional cooperation in areas such as peace and security, climate resilience, and trade.
As the bloc enters this new era, Gebeyehu urged member states to take greater ownership of the organization's future. The IGAD chief also highlighted upcoming priorities, including preparation for the expected El Niño season and the development of artificial intelligence capabilities to ensure the region acts as an author rather than a subject in technological advancements. The next phase will require sustained political will and financial commitment to translate these institutional gains into tangible stability for the Horn of Africa.
