The heads of state and government from the eight-member countries of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) will on Tuesday convene in Nairobi for the 39th extraordinary summit.
The Summit is aimed at reflecting on current challenges the region is confronted with and the way forward as well as discussing “matters of mutual concern in the region.”
The meeting comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions between Sudan and Ethiopia, both IGAD members, after a border skirmish between the Sudanese and Ethiopian militaries.
IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu visited Sudan at the weekend, where he met with the junta’s Sovereignty Council president Lt-Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.
Dr. Workneh had earlier called on “the two sisterly countries to actively seek diplomatic means to find a lasting and sustainable solution.”
Sudan, which currently chairs the regional trade bloc, says the summit “comes at a critical and important time.”
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During his visit to Sudan, Dr. Workneh told journalists that Tuesday’s summit is “most importantly a ‘family meeting’ and all heads of states and government are confirmed to attend.”
The region is increasingly moving toward democratic governance and has made good progress toward establishing a competitive economy.