IGAD Discusses Sudan, Somalia, Ertirea Issues

Ezega
Sunday, February 05, 2012

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The 20th extra-ordinary summit of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) of Heads of States and Governments discussed and passed resolution to tackle situations about the civil war in Somalia, the crisis in the two Sudans, IGAD Minimum Integration Plan and Piracy off the coast of Somalia. The summit also condemned Eritrea and asked to further strengthen sanctions.

Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, Chairman of IGAD said in a press briefing right after the summit, “The summit addressed three key points. Firstly, the integration of IGAD both through the acceleration of infrastructure projects linking us and the establishment of free trade area in the IGAD Region. The secretariat has done a spectacular job in terms of preparing the ground work and everyone agreed to implement this plan. And so there was complete agreement on the integration path. Secondly, we discussed Somalia. We have agreed on all matters related to Somalia. Thirdly, we discussed the crisis in the Republic of Sudan and the Republic of Southern Sudan. A lot of progress was made in the negotiations led by a high level panel of the African Union. So it was agreed that the two parties will continue their negotiations throughout the summit. Although we have made a lot of progress, we are not able to come to a final agreement. So, this is where we are as IGAD.”

On Somalia, the summit deliberated most on the crisis in Somalia and its associated problem of piracy. The summit hailed the progress on the strategic concept on future AMISOM operations in Somalia as well as the gains made by the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia (TFG), Kenyan Defense Forces (KDF) and the logistical and military support extended by Ethiopia and the TFG.

The meeting regarding Somalia also called for the implementation of an inclusive political process in the liberated areas to consolidate gains made by the TFG forces with the help of African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), Kenyan and Ethiopian Defense Forces against the Somali militant group Al Shabab.

The other point raised was the dispute between South Sudan and Sudan. Following Sudan’s decision to prevent ships carrying South Sudan’s oil from leaving Port Sudan, tension is mounting. This is on top of the controversy over the oil rich region, Abyei.

“The Proposal by the panel is to have a very brief cover agreement focused on reversal of unilateral decisions and a frame work on long term solution to the problem of oil. Many of these issues in both the frame work and the cover agreement are agreed but there are some sticking points. I can not go in to the details because I am sure you would understand the sensitivities of the matter. So, in general terms I believe there is quite a lot of progress but not enough for us to make a deal now,” said Meles. “If there is no agreement, then it means there is no agreement. And so, the unilateral decision can only be stopped, if there is an agreement. As I have said while a lot of progress has been made, we don’t yet have a final agreement,” reiterated Meles.

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