December 17-18, 2024 (MOMBASA, Kenya): The IGAD Security Sector Programme (IGAD SSP), under the Peace and Security Division, convened the High-Level Regional Forum on the IGAD Regional Cooperation and Coordination Mechanism (RCCM) Against Transnational Security Threats (TSTs) Statute and Operationalisation.
H.E. Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, the Executive Secretary, welcomed participants and highlighted the forum’s significance, stating, “This mechanism is designed to enable us to share intelligence more effectively, harmonise our legal frameworks, and strengthen our capacity to respond to threats as a unified region.”
In his remarks, Dr Workneh underscored the necessity of harmonised security and legal frameworks across the region. He also emphasised the critical role of local communities, civil society, traditional leaders, and citizens in strengthening regional resilience. “A unified approach is vital to effectively confronting the complex threats we face,” he stated, urging deeper collaboration at all levels.
Welcome remarks were also delivered by H.E. Amb. Mohammed Ali Hassan, Ambassador from Djibouti (IGAD Chair); Amb. George Macgoye, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kenya; and Mrs Nejat Abdulrahman, Head of the IGAD Security Sector Programme. Commander Abebe Muluneh, Director of the IGAD Peace and Security Division, was also in attendance.
This high-level forum aimed to present the validated Final Draft Statute to the IGAD Committee of Ambassadors and technical experts for policy decisions, to officially launch the regional cooperation and coordination mechanism, and to secure further guidance on its operationalisation.
Mrs Nejat Abdulrahman, Head of the IGAD Security Sector Programme, provided a briefing on the programme’s efforts and presented the Statute, opening the floor for discussions and feedback from country-level delegates. A session was held on policy decisions regarding the Statute and the official launch of the IGAD Regional Cooperation and Coordination Mechanism.
On the second day, the IGAD Security Sector Programme team participated in a panel discussion moderated by the Division’s Director, Commander Abebe Muluneh. The discussions focused on the dynamics and trends of regional security threats. Technical experts subsequently developed guidance on the next steps for operationalising the Statute, which the Committee of Ambassadors later adopted.
H.E. Dr Workneh Gebeyehu officially closed the forum, accompanied by H.E. Mohamed Abdi Ware, his Deputy, and Commander Abebe Muluneh, Director of the Peace and Security Division.
This activity is supported by the European Union through the APSA Programme.
