Somalia recently hosted a two-day meeting of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Committee of Permanent Secretaries on Conflict Early Warning and Response in Mogadishu. The meeting, which concluded on Thursday, 12 November, brought together representatives from IGAD member states, the organisation’s secretariat and experts from the Conflict Early Warning and Response Mechanism (CEWARN). This was the first time Somalia has hosted the committee, highlighting the country’s growing engagement in regional peace and security initiatives.
The meeting focused on strengthening regional cooperation in conflict prevention, early warning and coordinated responses to emerging security threats. Discussions centred on improving the identification of potential conflicts and enhancing cooperation among member states to address security challenges before they escalate. Participants also emphasised the importance of timely information-sharing and coordinated action in responding to conflicts affecting communities across the Horn of Africa.
CEWARN, an IGAD mechanism dedicated to conflict prevention, works with member states to monitor indicators of instability, assess emerging risks and support timely interventions to prevent conflicts from escalating. The mechanism plays a crucial role in promoting peace and stability in the region by providing early warnings and supporting coordinated responses to security challenges.
Somalia’s decision to host the committee for the first time reflects its expanding participation in regional efforts to promote peace, stability and security. The country has been actively engaging in regional initiatives aimed at addressing security challenges and promoting cooperation among IGAD member states.
The meeting comes as countries across the Horn of Africa continue to face complex security challenges, including armed conflicts, political instability and competition over natural resources. IGAD member states have been working together to address these challenges through cooperation on peace and security, economic integration and sustainable development.
Established as a regional organisation, IGAD provides a platform for cooperation among its member states on peace and security, economic integration and sustainable development. The organisation has been instrumental in promoting regional coordination and preventive diplomacy in addressing shared security challenges across the Horn of Africa.
The Mogadishu meeting underscores the importance of regional coordination and preventive diplomacy in addressing shared security challenges across the Horn of Africa. Somalia’s Permanent Secretary, Hamza Adan Haadow, officially closed the meeting, which was attended by representatives from IGAD member states and experts from CEWARN.
Key points
- Somalia hosts IGAD meeting on conflict early warning and response for the first time.
