IGAD welcomes Sudan’s return, reaffirms commitment to regional peace and unity

Addis Ababa, February 9, 2026 (FMC) — The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has welcomed the decision of the Republic of the Sudan to resume its full participation in the regional bloc, describing the move as a reaffirmation of collective commitment to peace, stability, and cooperation across the region.

In a statement issued Monday from its Secretariat in Djibouti, IGAD said Sudan’s return underscores renewed regional solidarity and strengthens coordinated efforts to address shared political, security, and development priorities in the Horn of Africa.

IGAD Executive Secretary Dr Workneh Gebeyehu said Sudan’s renewed engagement is particularly significant as the country is a founding Member State of the organization. He noted that Sudan’s full participation enhances IGAD’s unity and institutional capacity to advance its regional mandate.

Dr Workneh also expressed appreciation to President Ismail Omar Guelleh of the Republic of Djibouti, the current Chairperson of IGAD, for his leadership and constructive engagement in facilitating the process. He commended President Guelleh’s commitment to dialogue and consensus-building in promoting regional cohesion.

The IGAD Secretariat reaffirmed its readiness to work closely with the Republic of the Sudan to support efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution to the country’s ongoing challenges and to contribute to a secure and prosperous future for the Sudanese people and the wider region.