IGAD_SSP

Africa’s evolving security challenges demand not only strong, well-equipped armies, but also greater cooperation beyond the battlefield. I joined African defense leaders at the Closing Ceremony of the inaugural African Conference of Chiefs of Defense Forces on Military Operations Other Than War in Uganda, presided by H.E. President @KagutaMuseveni. I underscored the need for Africa’s military institutions to champion lasting peace as the foundation of development, strengthening civil-military cooperation to advance national, regional and continental prosperity. I commend Uganda for convening this important dialogue towards a more peaceful, secure and prosperous Africa.

On the margins of the Military Operations Other Than War conference in Kampala, I met H.E. Gen. @mkainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces of Uganda, for an exchange on regional peace and security. We discussed Uganda’s important role in supporting stability across the region and the need for stronger cooperation in responding to shared and emerging security challenges. I thanked H.E. Gen. Muhoozi and the Government of Uganda for convening this important gathering, bringing together defence leaders and partners around a common agenda for peace, security and regional cooperation.

On the margins of #UNGA81, I received H.E. Dr Annette Weber, EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, at the IGAD offices in New York. We discussed the evolving peace and security situation in our region and the need to continue working together to de-escalate tensions and advance dialogue.

Sudan needs the full weight of regional and international partners working together. At today’s first Quintet and Quad meeting on Sudan, I joined fellow leaders to discuss how we can align our efforts to end the fighting, secure unhindered humanitarian access and advance a credible path to peace. I called on all partners to act with the urgency this crisis demands. The Sudanese people cannot wait for another round of promises.

The dawn of Super Intelligence is already giving our region powerful new tools to anticipate drought, protect livelihoods and improve health. On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meetings in New York, I met H.E. Dr Abdul Kamara, Acting Vice President for Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery at @AfDB_Group. We discussed matters of mutual interest, particularly support for IGAD’s Regional Super Intelligence project and progress across our joint project portfolio. I thank the Bank for its continued partnership.

On the sidelines of the 74th Extraordinary Session of the IGAD Council of Ministers, Council members and I paid a courtesy call on H.E. @IsmailOGuelleh, President of the Republic of Djibouti and Chairperson of IGAD. I briefed H.E. The President on the outcomes of the Council meeting, reflecting our shared resolve to strengthen IGAD and advance peace, stability and regional integration. I thank President Guelleh for his gracious hospitality, steadfast leadership and unwavering support for our organisation. We also toured the new IGAD Headquarters and witnessed the progress towards completing a fitting home for our shared regional aspirations.

Sudan today stands at the top of the world’s humanitarian emergency indicators: the highest number of people requiring humanitarian assistance globally–33.7 million–and the world’s largest hunger and displacement crisis, all within three years of war. As of today, El Niño looms, threatening to compound the crisis through further floods and drought. Yet the war continues. Speaking at the High-Level Ministerial Meeting on Sudan convened by France and partners, I called on all international actors to place the Sudanese people at the centre of all efforts, support the de-escalation of the conflict and unite behind one Sudanese-led and Sudanese-owned peace process.

As the 81st United Nations General Assembly begins, international cooperation faces a decisive test. Conflict, climate shocks and economic uncertainty transcend borders; our response must do the same. I joined world leaders at today’s opening session in New York, reaffirming IGAD’s commitment to partnerships that translate multilateralism into peace, resilience and shared prosperity for our people.

Pleased to meet H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani (@MBA_AlThani_), Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, on the margins of UNGA81 in New York. IGAD values its relations with the Government and people of Qatar and looks forward to deepening our cooperation in advancing peace, stability and shared prosperity across our regions.

On the margins of #UNGA, I met H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of State. We discussed peace, security and humanitarian challenges across the IGAD region. We agreed on the importance of sustained diplomatic efforts to support mediation and ease tensions. IGAD remains committed to engaging all partners in pursuit of peace.

Pleased to meet H.E. @ahunnaeziakonwa, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on Africa, on the margins of UNGA. I congratulated her on her appointment and wished her every success in this important role. We exchanged views on Africa’s peace, security and development priorities and agreed to work closely in advancing African-led solutions that respond to the aspirations of our people.

Met with H.E. @DicarloRosemary, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs on the margins of UNGA. Our discussions focused on the peace and security challenges confronting the region, and the need to intensify our coordinated efforts to achieve meaningful progress.

The IGAD region and the Middle East share more than geography; our peace, security and prosperity are deeply interconnected. On the margins of UNGA in New York, I held productive discussions with H.E. Soltan bin Saad Al Moraikhi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar. We exchanged views on regional peace and security and agreed to deepen cooperation that advances stability and shared prosperity across our regions.

A strong IGAD is indispensable to a peaceful, stable and united region. At today’s 74th Extraordinary Session of the IGAD Council of Ministers, Member States reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen political and financial support for our institution. We also agreed to stand united in addressing regional peace and security challenges—upholding sovereignty, safeguarding territorial integrity and advancing collective action for lasting peace and stability. I am grateful to the IGAD Council of Ministers for their leadership and commitment, and to our gracious host, the Republic of Djibouti, for its warm hospitality. IGAD remains steadfast in translating our shared resolve into meaningful action for the people of our region.

This morning at IGAD Headquarters in Djibouti, I received a delegation from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), led by Brig. Gen. Kenneth Muheire, who conveyed an invitation from H.E. Gen. @mkainerugaba to attend the Conference on Military Operations Other Than War. I appreciate the invitation and look forward to discussions that advance African solutions to African challenges. In an increasingly complex world, African unity and strong multilateral institutions are indispensable to our shared security and stability. IGAD will continue to champion collective action, guided by one enduring truth: Africa’s peace is indivisible—our continent cannot prosper in fragments.