Uganda lags as Kenya joins IGAD treaty approvers

Uganda is among the four member states that have been urged to ratify the revised Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Treaty.

IGAD executive secretary Dr Workneh Gebeyehu made the call on May 27, 2025, in a statement commending the Parliament of the Republic of Kenya for approving the IGAD Treaty.

Gebeyehu, conveyed his gratitude to the Government and People of Kenya for what he calls a significant milestone, which reaffirms the country’s steadfast commitment to regional integration, multilateral co-operation and the principles underpinning IGAD’s mandate.

The statement released by the IGAD Secretariat quotes Gebeyehu saying, “The ratification of the IGAD Treaty by the Parliament of Kenya is a commendable step toward consolidating our institutional foundation. It enhances our collective capacity to address transboundary challenges and advance our shared aspirations for peace, stability, and sustainable development.”

Kenya’s approval adds to the growing momentum across the region, with member states, Djibouti and Ethiopia and South Sudan, having already ratified the Treaty. 

Gebeyehu says member states finalising their ratification processes will be in the spirit of regional solidarity and institutional coherence.

"The new IGAD Treaty reflects the evolving mandate of the organisation, reinforcing its role in facilitating co-operation on critical priorities such as conflict prevention, climate adaptation, public health, economic integration, and digital governance," the statement reads.

About IGAD

IGAD is a regional trade bloc comprising eight member countries: Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda. Established in 1986 as the Intergovernmental Authority on Drought and Development (IGADD), the organisation initially focused on drought control and development initiatives.

In 1996, its mandate was expanded, and it was rebranded as IGAD, with an increased emphasis on peacebuilding, economic integration, social and regional development. IGAD’s headquarters are located in Djibouti City, Republic of Djibouti, which currently chairs the organisation.