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MOGADISHU — The House of the People of the Federal Parliament of Somalia officially ratified, yesterday, Wednesday, the new Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Treaty, in a legislative step aimed at strengthening engagement in regional cooperation mechanisms.
This parliamentary ratification marks a significant milestone in the Somali state’s journey toward activating its role in regional organizations and updating the legal frameworks governing peace, sustainable development, and economic cooperation.
Under this decision, the 2023 IGAD Treaty replaces the organization’s 1996 establishing agreement, which underwent a comprehensive review and modernization process to keep pace with current regional changes.
The updated treaty approved by Parliament provides a strong legal and institutional foundation for enhancing collaboration among member states in vital areas, most notably regional peace and security, climate action, and infrastructure development.
The Somali move aims to support integration efforts in the health, trade, and social development sectors, serving national interests and fulfilling the aspirations of Horn of Africa peoples for stability and prosperity.
This ratification grants Somalia an influential voice in shaping decisions related to regional challenges, ensuring the protection of strategic interests within a legal framework that respects mutual sovereignty among member states.
Furthermore, this step demonstrates the success of Somali legislative institutions in completing the legal requirements for integration, as Mogadishu joins the nations that have adopted this advanced legal framework for regional cooperation.
It is hoped that this treaty will contribute to coordinating collective action to face cross-border crises, such as food security and drought impacts, through binding institutional mechanisms that ensure effective joint responses.
The Somali Parliament concluded the ratification process by reaffirming its commitment to building a more united and resilient region, placing regional security and economic growth at the forefront of the Somali state’s foreign policy priorities.
Somalia’s ratification of the new IGAD charter re-establishes Mogadishu as an indispensable partner in the stability of the Horn of Africa. By transitioning to the updated treaty, Somalia secures its legal rights in major trade and security initiatives. The completion of these legislative procedures reflects internal institutional stability and opens the door for significant regional investments that require a binding legal framework, helping to transform geopolitical challenges into opportunities for shared growth and economic integration.
