NEW YORK, U.S.A – The Geneva Call and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have made a major advancement in bolstering peacebuilding and humanitarian efforts in the Horn of Africa.
A historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Geneva Call Director General Alain Deletroz and IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu to strengthen collaboration in protecting people and promoting peace throughout the region.
The MoU establishes a comprehensive framework for collaboration, with priority areas including
– The protection of civilians in armed conflicts and other situations of violence
– The promotion of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and humanitarian norms through advocacy and education
– Support to peacebuilding and conflict prevention through joint initiatives
– Advancement of the Humanitarian–Development–Peace Nexus to ensure coordinated and sustainable responses to complex crises
– Capacity building through training, technical expertise, and knowledge sharing
This collaboration reaffirms IGAD’s pivotal function in advancing resilience, security, and peace in the Horn of Africa.
What the MoU means to the Horn of Africa
IGAD hopes to strengthen its outreach to populations impacted by violence and support initiatives to avert future crises by collaborating with Geneva Call, an international organisation devoted to advancing humanitarian norms in armed conflict.
Dr. Gebeyehu remarked on the importance of the Memorandum of Understanding:
“This partnership reinforces our shared commitment to the humanitarian–development–peace nexus and to safeguarding the dignity and security of our people.”
This Memorandum of Understanding is more than just a contract; it is a mutual pledge to uphold humanitarian ideals, save lives, and promote inclusive, long-lasting peace.
In order to guarantee that humanitarian efforts result in long-term stability and dignity for the people of the Horn of Africa, IGAD and Geneva Call will keep interacting with stakeholders at all levels, including governments, communities, and civil society.
Earlier, IGAD reinforced its commitment to a coordinated and inclusive peace process in the war-torn Sudan.
Why IGAD attended the Ministerial Meeting on Sudan
On the margins of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80), the European Union, African Union, France, Germany and the UK organised a Ministerial Meeting on Sudan.
The meeting was also attended by Dr. Gebeyehu who joined partners in urging urgent, coordinated efforts to end the war and safeguard Sudan’s future.
“He stressed that peace must be Sudanese-led, inclusive, and firmly anchored in a credible transition to civilian rule,” he added.
In a statement from IGAD, a Regional Economic Community of the African Union, Dr. Gebeyehu further said:
“At the Ministerial Meeting on Sudan on the margins of #UNGA80, convened by the EU, AU, France, Germany & the UK, I reaffirmed IGAD’s commitment to these principles. The people of Sudan cannot wait. Their lives, their dignity, and their future depend on our immediate response.”
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