IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, Gender Cabinet Secretary Hannah Cheptumo, and Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei/IGADThe Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), executive secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, has urged the Council of Eminent Personalities to take the lead in securing lasting peace in the Horn of Africa.
Speaking during the IGAD Regional Forum for Eminent Women Personalities and Leaders for Peace in Nairobi, Dr. Gebeyehu said the region faces a double danger, in the form of political instability and natural disasters.
He said all these threaten the continent’s future, even as he called on the Council led by retired Major John Seii to rise to the challenge.
“This Assembly convenes when our region is in the grip of double danger from the terrorist insurgency in Somalia to the political crisis in South Sudan and the hot war in Sudan, we are besieged by multiple crises when leadership is needed most.”
The Council, created during the 14th IGAD Ordinary Summit in 2023, brings together elder statespersons, scholars, and civic leaders to support peace efforts.
Gebeyehu insisted that their impartiality and moral authority are more critical than ever, as their experience helps where formal efforts have failed.
“Your traditional wisdom fills the gap when formal frameworks fail. Your experience equips you to open doors no uniform can access.”
He reminded delegates that IGAD’s legitimacy must be built on trust, fairness, and respect to all.
“We must be above the fray, listening to every voice. Our actions must serve all our people, not just a privileged few.”
The executive secretary proposed two key reforms, including the grant of full diplomatic status to IGAD’s preventive diplomacy missions and to institutionalize the Council of Eminent Personalities within IGAD’s structures.
“These reforms will save lives and resources. They will move us from reacting to crises to preventing them.”
He urged the Council to use its influence to turn conflict into cooperation.
“The hour might be late, but it is not too late. We are the keepers of peace, the guardians of hope, and the architects of tomorrow’s dawn.”
“The future is watching,” he added.
The forum was also attended by the Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage, Hannah Cheptumo, who called for the inclusion of women and youths in the peace efforts.
“In our IGAD region, conflict has fractured families, displaced communities, and eroded hope.
“Yet throughout our history, women and young people have consistently emerged as agents of preventive diplomacy,” she said.
Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’Oei reiterated the government’s commitment and support to IGAD in finding peace in the region.
He applauded the constitution of the council of eminent personalities to play a part in these efforts.
He warned that traditional diplomacy alone is not enough to resolve such challenges.
“The role of Eminent Personalities is critical. They are trusted interlocutors, uniquely positioned to mediate, build confidence, and encourage dialogue.”
