Violent extremism, drought and armed conflicts are some of the challenges that require urgent attention.
“In the past two years alone, the region has experienced a desert locust invasion, a crushing drought that is still ongoing, numerous threats related to violent extremism, armed conflicts and, like the rest of the world, the region has not been spared from the Covid-19 pandemic,” said President Uhuru Kenyatta, who was speaking 9th Extraordinary Assembly of the IGAD Heads of State and Government in July.
“Further, the drought, the worst in 40 years, has intensified food insecurity, dried up water sources and forced displacement of people, raising tensions that could trigger new conflicts. We urgently need to manage the drought before it becomes a threat multiplier,” said the President.
Noting that a stable region was beneficial to all IGAD member states, the President said no progress would be realized without peace and security.
“It is incumbent upon us to work together boldly and creatively to navigate the multiple crises we face, seize opportunities as they emerge and define a path of peace and sustainable economic development,” President Kenyatta said.
President Kenyatta further assured that Kenya will not waiver in its commitment to collaborating with regional and international partners to strengthen conflict prevention and promoting peace.
“Our discussions today are of immense importance to Kenya because we recognize that our political and economic stability is dependent on the stability of the IGAD region. This is why we are invested in regional efforts to secure peace and stability,” the President said. (