Horn of Africa: New IGAD treaty replaces 1996 framework

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) confirmed on September 15 in Djibouti the entry into force of its treaty adopted in 2023, following the ratification by five of its seven member states. The new text replaces the founding agreement of 1996 and provides the organization with a new legal framework.

Djibouti, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Kenya, and Somalia have ratified the treaty and submitted their instruments to the IGAD Executive Secretary, who acts as the depositary. These five ratifications meet the two-thirds threshold required to implement the new regional legal framework.

The Council has tasked the secretariat with undertaking the necessary legal, institutional, and administrative measures for the treaty’s implementation. The Executive Secretary is specifically required to officially notify member states of the date of entry into force, provide them with a certified copy of the text, and register it with the African Union and the United Nations.

The new treaty aims to provide an updated legal basis for the organization, nearly thirty years after the 1996 agreement. IGAD addresses issues related to peace and security, regional integration, climate resilience, health, trade, and infrastructure in the Horn of Africa and East Africa.

The two member states that have not yet completed their ratification process have been urged to expedite the procedure and submit their instruments. The Council has requested that a progress report be presented at its next regular session.