December 1, 2025 (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) bids farewell to Ambassador Ismail Wais (PhD), who served as the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan since June 2017. The farewell reception was held at the IGAD Office in Addis Ababa and was presided by the Executive Secretary, H.E. Dr Workneh Gebeyehu (PhD), and attended by Guest of Honors H.E. Abdi Mohamed, Ambassador of the Republic of Djibouti to Ethiopia, and H.E. Boutros Deng, Charge d’Affairs, Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in Ethiopia as well as senior officials and staff from the Peace and Security Division.
Ambassador Wais was commended for his unwavering leadership and commitment in particular for playing a critical role in bringing the IGAD-led High Level Revitalization Forum to successful conclusion with the signing of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and also leading IGAD’s sustained efforts to advance the implementation of the R-ARCSS.
In his reflections, Ambassador Wais expressed appreciation to IGAD and Member States for the trust bestowed upon him, noting that the collective support and regional solidarity enabled progress across the peace process.
The Reception was also organized to welcome Ambassador Moussa Djama Ali as the new IGAD Special Envoy to South Sudan, reaffirming the organisation’s continued commitment to supporting peace, stability, and inclusive political dialogue in the country.
In welcoming the new Envoy, the Executive Secretary underscored IGAD’s commitment to ensuring continuity and strengthening regional engagement at a pivotal time for South Sudan.
“As we recognise Ambassador Ismail Wais for his dedicated service, we welcome Ambassador Moussa Djama Ali at a crucial moment in the South Sudan peace process. IGAD remains unwavering in its support to the Government and people of South Sudan, and we look forward to renewed momentum under Ambassador Ali’s leadership,”
— H.E. Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, IGAD Executive Secretary
Ambassador Moussa Djama Ali assumes the role with a mandate to deepen political engagement, enhance coordination with national stakeholders, and consolidate partnerships with regional and international actors supporting the peace process.
IGAD reaffirmed that the organisation will continue to prioritise dialogue, consensus-building, and cooperation as the foundation for durable peace in South Sudan. With the transition in the Office of the Special Envoy, IGAD expressed full confidence that Ambassador Ali’s experience and diplomatic acumen will contribute significantly to the next chapter of the country’s peacebuilding journey.
