Nejat

The last two days at the Eastern Africa Dialogue Platform on Anticipatory Action highlighted the need for stronger government ownership, predictable pre-arranged financing, and cross-border cooperation to link early action with long-term resilience. This morning at the Ministerial segment, I urged Member States to endorse the Mombasa Ministerial Declaration on Anticipatory Action and turn these political commitments into concrete national results. Forecasts must trigger timely action before disasters strikes. Together, we have a duty to transform risk into resilience; from early warning to early action.

Too often, warnings come before disasters, but resources arrive only after the damage is done. This must change. Today in Mombasa, at the 2nd Eastern Africa Dialogue Platform on Anticipatory Action, officially opened by Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, H.E. @Kipmurkomen, I called for a decisive shift from early warning to early action, backed by predictable financing, stronger institutions and empowered communities. Our success must be measured not by the disasters we respond to, but by the lives and livelihoods we protect before they strike.

Honoured to join H.E. President @WilliamsRuto and the people of Kenya in Eldoret for the 63rd Mashujaa Day celebrations, graced by H.E. Prime Minister @AbiyAhmedAli of Ethiopia as Guest of Honour. I commend the Government and people of the Republic of Kenya for upholding the legacy of their heroes and heroines, and for their continued commitment to peace, unity and regional integration. Happy Mashujaa Day, Wakenya! 🇰🇪

Received the letters of credence from H.E. Hüseyin Özdemir, the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the Republic of Djibouti and accredited to IGAD. We exchanged views on matters of mutual interest, particularly regional peace and security, and opportunities to further strengthen IGAD–Türkiye cooperation. IGAD values Türkiye’s longstanding friendship with the region and its continued engagement in advancing peace, stability and shared prosperity.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sudan’s future belongs to the Sudanese people alone. But the international community will help determine whether they are given the space to shape it in peace. Addressing the UN Security Council Meeting on Sudan today, I called for united and coordinated diplomacy, unhindered humanitarian access and firm support for an inclusive, Sudanese-led political process that protects Sudan’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. This war has dragged on for far too long. It must end. IGAD stands with the people of Sudan and remains ready to work with all partners to advance peace, stability and recovery.

Received H.E. Dr @SingoeiAKorir, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kenya, at the IGAD Headquarters in Djibouti ahead of tomorrow’s 74th Extraordinary Session of the IGAD Council of Ministers. We exchanged views on regional peace and security and other matters of shared concern. I also conveyed my appreciation to H.E. President @WilliamsRuto for conferring the honorary title and style of Ambassador upon two members of IGAD’s senior management. As a founding Member State, Kenya continues to play a pivotal role in advancing regional integration, peace and shared prosperity across the IGAD region.

Received H.E. Mr Guang Cong, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, ahead of tomorrow’s 74th Extraordinary Session of the IGAD Council of Ministers. We discussed IGAD–UN cooperation and our shared commitment to advancing peace and stability across the region. I welcomed his participation in tomorrow’s deliberations as we continue strengthening coordinated action in response to the challenges facing the Horn of Africa.