Africa

Regional bloc IGAD inducts first ever Council of Eminent Persons

IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu is pictured with country representatives during the orientation of its first Council of Eminent Persons in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on May 18, 2024. (Photo: Handout)

By Mwangi Maina | Monday, May 20, 2024

The Eminent Persons will collaborate closely with IGAD and national stakeholders to address regional challenges, seeking African solutions.

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has hosted an induction and orientation meeting for its first-ever Council of Eminent Persons, convening for two days in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Workneh Gebeyehu, the executive secretary, presided over the event that brought together representatives from member states Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan. Uganda and Eritrea were absent.

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The gathering, nominated by respective countries, expressed gratitude for the vision and commitment of IGAD Member States in addressing the region's multifaceted challenges.

The attendees discussed critical topics including the council’s terms of reference and working procedures, IGAD's priorities for 2021–2025, and innovative ideas to inform future activities within the IGAD policy framework.

The Eminent Persons will collaborate closely with IGAD and national stakeholders to address regional challenges, seeking African solutions.

They will partner with various actors, including governmental, non-governmental, and private entities, to find comprehensive solutions.

Utilising their expertise and African values, they aim to address issues of peace, security, stability, and socio-economic development in coordination with IGAD and member states.

The council pledged to operate independently, impartially, and with high ethical standards in fulfilling responsibilities assigned by IGAD, member states, and the people.

It recognised both the immense challenges and the opportunities in the region, emphasising the rich African traditions, values, knowledge, and wisdom that could positively transform the continent.

The council elected (Rtd) Major John Ayabei Seii (Kenya) as its chairperson and athletics legend Shaleqa Haile Gebresellasie (Ethiopia) as vice chairperson.