On September 16, 2026, Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh welcomed foreign ministers from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) member states at the Presidential Palace. The meeting was held ahead of the 74th extraordinary session of the IGAD Council of Ministers, which took place on September 14-15, 2026. The session provided an opportunity for the ministers to brief the President on the council's proceedings and discuss key issues affecting the region.
The discussions focused on two primary areas: the administrative and financial status of IGAD and the ongoing geopolitical challenges in the region. The ministers presented reports to President Guelleh on the outcomes of their deliberations, emphasizing the importance of upholding high standards of financial governance. They reaffirmed their commitment to making timely financial contributions to ensure the organization's independence and effectiveness in addressing regional challenges.
The meeting also touched on peace and security issues within the IGAD region. The ministers reiterated the significance of dialogue as a primary means of resolving conflicts and promoting peaceful solutions to crises. They emphasized the need for member states to work together to address common challenges and promote regional stability.
The IGAD foreign ministers also discussed the current situation in the Red Sea, particularly the strategic Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, which borders the Horn of Africa. Djibouti, with its geographical location, plays a critical role in maintaining the security of this vital shipping lane. The country's President Guelleh informed the ministers that maritime traffic in the region is currently operating normally.
However, the humanitarian situation in Djibouti remains a concern, with the country hosting refugees fleeing the conflict in Yemen. President Guelleh highlighted the need for continued support to address the challenges posed by the refugee influx. The meeting was attended by Djibouti's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdoul Kader Houssein Omar, and other senior officials.
The IGAD foreign ministers were accompanied by the organization's Executive Secretary, Warkneh Gebregeorgis. The session provided a platform for frank discussions on the opportunities and challenges facing the region. President Guelleh and the ministers exchanged views on ways to strengthen IGAD's capacity to promote regional cooperation and address the complex issues affecting the Horn of Africa.
The extraordinary session of the IGAD Council of Ministers concluded with a renewed commitment to regional cooperation and a determination to address the challenges facing the Horn of Africa. The meeting demonstrated the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation among IGAD member states in promoting peace, stability, and development in the region.
Key points
- Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh hosts IGAD foreign ministers to discuss regional issues and organizational matters.
