Bishoftu, Ethiopia – The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Peace and Security Division (PSD) convened its 2024 Annual Review Meeting from May 7-9, 2025, in Bishoftu, Ethiopia. The three-day gathering brought together all PSD units, including the IGAD Centre of Excellence for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (ICEPCVE), to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the regional situation, review ongoing programs, and strategize for the division’s future.
The meeting’s discussions focused on a detailed examination of the complex peace and security landscape within the IGAD region. Participants reflected on the effectiveness of current programs and shared insights to inform the development of the next PSD Strategy.
The opening ceremony was graced by the IGAD Deputy Executive Secretary, H.E. Mohamed Ware, who underscored the importance of collective action. “This is an important opportunity to exchange insights,” he stated, emphasizing that “the IGAD region needs collective efforts to maximize impact on the initiatives being implemented to advance peace and security in the region.”
Commander Abebe Muluneh, the IGAD Peace and Security Director, set the tone for the discussions. He encouraged a forward-looking approach, challenging the units to examine how they are responding to evolving regional dynamics and to develop proactive strategies to effectively address the challenges facing the region.
Dr. Simon Nyambura, Director of the IGAD Centre of Excellence for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (ICEPCVE), offered valuable contributions on how the division can strategically reposition itself. He highlighted the importance of leveraging the division’s strengths and identifying strategic opportunities to positively influence peace and security dynamics in the region.
All units within the IGAD Peace and Security Division participated actively, providing detailed presentations on their respective mandates. The IGAD’s Conflict Early Warning and Response Mechanism, IGAD Security Sector Program (ISSP), IGAD Red Sea and Gulf of Aden and Somalia (RESGAS), IGAD Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD), Political Affairs Program (PAP), and the Offices of the Special Envoy to Sudan and South Sudan all presented on their program interventions, challenges encountered, and lessons learned.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening cooperation and developing a robust and coordinated strategy to promote lasting peace and stability across the IGAD region.
