US welcomes IGAD summit on Somalia-Ethiopia conflict

The United States has welcomed the planned Extraordinary Summit by the Inter-Governmental Authority for Development (IGAD) which is set to discuss the looming conflict between the Federal Republic of Somalia and the government of Ethiopia.

Through the Bureau of African Affairs, the State Department backed Djibouti President Omar Ismail Guelleh's statement which instructed all member states, international partners, and the African Union to convene in Uganda on 18th, Jan 2024.

Besides the Red Sea conflict between Somalia and Ethiopia, the summit will also discuss tensions in Sudan between the Sudan National Army and the Rapid Support Force (RSF), who have been at loggerheads for a couple of months.

"We welcome IGAD’s Jan 18 summit on tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia and the situation in Sudan. U.S. supports Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and AUC Moussa Faki’s calls for de-escalation and dialogue; plus ceasefire and resolution of the conflict in Sudan."

On Thursday, through Djibouti's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Guelleh invited all stakeholders to the summit which will be hosted by President Yoweri Museveni, a veteran leader who has been advocating for stability in the Horn of Africa.

"President Omar Guelleh, in his capacity as IGAD chair, has the honor to invite you to the extraordinary summit on two main issues that are the ongoing situation between Somalia and Ethiopia and the situation in Sudan," read the invitation.

"The ministry will send official invitations to all member states, African Union, and international partners through diplomatic channels," Djibouti noted, adding that such communication will help on matters logistics for those intending to attend.

Ethiopia signed a controversial deal with Somaliland, leading to criticism from the government of Somalia and several international partners. The deal if implemented, will see Ethiopia getting 20 kilometers of Red Sea along Somaliland, a region in Somalia, in return for recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state.

GAROWE ONLINE