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The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has welcomed Somalia’s decision to ratify the new IGAD Treaty, describing it as an important step toward stronger regional cooperation and deeper integration across the Horn of Africa. The treaty was approved by Somalia’s House of the People on Wednesday, making Somalia the fifth member state to formally ratify the agreement after Djibouti, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Kenya.
IGAD said Somalia’s move brings the regional bloc closer to fully putting into effect the revised legal framework that will guide its work in the coming years. The organization views the ratification as a clear sign of Somalia’s growing engagement with regional systems that focus on peace, development, and political cooperation.
In a statement, IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu congratulated Somalia on the decision and praised both the parliament and the government for what he described as strong and timely leadership. He noted that Somalia’s approval of the treaty is a major milestone, not only for the country but also for the entire region, as IGAD works to strengthen its role in addressing shared challenges.
The new IGAD Treaty replaces the 1996 agreement that originally established the organization. The update follows a long revitalization process aimed at improving IGAD’s legal and institutional foundations so that it can respond more effectively to current and emerging regional issues. Under the revised framework, IGAD is expected to play a stronger role in promoting peace and security, improving climate resilience, supporting infrastructure development, enhancing health systems, boosting trade, and advancing social development among member states.
Gebeyehu said the timing of Somalia’s ratification is especially meaningful as IGAD marks its 40th anniversary. He explained that reaching the required two-thirds threshold of member state ratifications strengthens the organization’s legal standing and allows it to move forward with deeper regional integration. According to IGAD, this will make it easier for member countries to coordinate policies and actions in areas such as trade, conflict prevention, and sustainable development.
The treaty was presented to Somalia’s parliament by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ali Omar Balcad. While addressing lawmakers, he emphasized the importance of the agreement for Somalia’s place in the region, arguing that it would help the country strengthen its diplomatic ties, enhance political stability, and actively contribute to regional decision-making. He urged members of parliament to support the treaty, describing it as a strategic step for Somalia’s future.
Speaker of the House of the People, Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur, commonly known as Madobe, confirmed that the vote was conducted through a show of hands. Out of 144 lawmakers who were present during the session, 141 voted in favor of ratifying the treaty. Two lawmakers voted against it, while one abstained. The overwhelming support reflected broad political agreement on the importance of regional cooperation and Somalia’s role within IGAD.
Somali officials said the ratification demonstrates the country’s commitment to working closely with its neighbors based on mutual respect, partnership, and shared development goals. They stressed that Somalia sees regional cooperation as essential to addressing cross-border issues such as insecurity, climate shocks, economic recovery, and humanitarian challenges.
With five member states now having ratified the new treaty, IGAD is steadily moving toward implementing its renewed framework. Regional officials believe that once fully operational, the updated treaty will strengthen collective responses to shared problems and improve coordination among governments. They also see it as a key step toward building lasting stability and promoting sustainable development across the Horn of Africa, a region that continues to face complex political, economic, and environmental pressures.