Ismail Guelleh perfect for IGAD leadership, US says

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The United States has welcomed the election of Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh as the new chairperson of the Inter-Governmental Authority and Development [IGAD] chairman following the recently concluded summit, in yet another show of confidence in the veteran leader.

Guelleh's victory, the US said, will guide the Horn of Africa region towards much-needed stability, adding that his ability to resolve conflicts would be a huge advantage to the regional body which has been actively involved in solving internal feuds besides promoting development in the region.

Also acknowledged by the US was an extension of Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu’s tenure, which will see him lead the block for the next four years.

The United States expressed confidence that the leadership of the two would help in solving crises in the Horn of Africa. "The United States warmly congratulates Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh on his election as chairman of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development [IGAD] during the IGAD Summit held in Djibouti on June 12.

The United States also welcomes the extension of IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu’s tenure," read the statement. "Since its founding nearly 40 years ago, IGAD has been at the center of international efforts to mobilize effective responses to crises in the Horn of Africa, including the ongoing drought and other natural disasters. We also recognize and welcome IGAD’s increasingly active role in conflict resolution in the region.

"The United States looks forward to continuing to work closely with President Guelleh and IGAD to promote peace and prosperity as well as regional integration and development in East Africa," added the statement by the State Department.

Djibouti is a major ally of the West from the region which leans towards the Arab League of Nations. As a strategic partner, Djibouti has been hosting the US Africa Command for several years, with the military playing a crucial role, especially in Somalia where it has been fighting Al-Shabaab militants.

Djibouti is also a major stakeholder in the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS] as one of the Troops Contributing Countries.

GAROWE ONLINE