IGAD Deputy Executive Secretary, Mohamed Abdi Ware, has conducted a series of high-level meetings with key international partners, focusing on advancing peace, stability, and socio-economic development in Somalia and the wider East African region. These engagements highlight IGAD’s ongoing role in facilitating regional cooperation and supporting initiatives that strengthen governance, security, and resilience across member states.
In his first meeting, Ware met with Charles King, the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Somalia. Discussions centered on supporting peacebuilding and reconciliation processes, enhancing security, strengthening state institutions, and promoting sustainable development. The UK continues to be a critical partner in regional affairs and a leading voice in the UN Security Council on East African matters, providing political, technical, and financial support to initiatives that enhance regional stability.
Ware also held a strategic dialogue with Francesca Di Mauro, the Ambassador of the European Union to Somalia. Both parties reaffirmed the strong partnership between IGAD and the EU, emphasizing collaboration in addressing climate change, building community resilience, supporting migration management, and promoting sustainable socio-economic development. The discussion underscored the importance of integrating humanitarian, development, and security initiatives to achieve long-term stability and inclusive growth.
In a third engagement, Ware met with Justin Davis, the Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Somalia. The meeting focused on advancing peace and security efforts, empowering youth, and improving livelihoods for vulnerable communities. The United States remains a strategic ally for Somalia and IGAD, particularly in areas related to regional security, development programming, and capacity-building initiatives.
Throughout these engagements, Deputy Executive Secretary Ware highlighted the importance of continued international collaboration and coordination to address complex challenges facing Somalia and the Horn of Africa. The meetings reaffirm IGAD’s commitment to leveraging regional and international partnerships to strengthen governance, promote peace, and ensure sustainable development across the region.
These discussions come at a critical time, as Somalia and its neighbors continue to face security challenges, socio-economic pressures, and the need for climate adaptation strategies, making international cooperation essential for regional resilience and long-term progress.