KAMPALA, UGANDA (5th June, 2020): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) successfully concluded the Uganda National Consultation on the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden in Kampala, Uganda, which was held on 4th and 5th of June, 2020.
The National Consultation was convened in line with the resolution of the 2nd meeting of the IGAD Task Force of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden held in Djibouti on 15th to 18th September 2019. The objective of the consultation was to build a momentum towards a common IGAD position and develop a regional plan of action for the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
The official opening was presided over by Ambassador Paul Mukumbya, Head of the Regional Peace and Security Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uganda; and Ambassador Mohamed Ali Guyo, IGAD Special Envoy for the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Somalia.
Amb Paul Mukumbya noted that the envisaged regional plan of action and the establishment of mechanisms to promote and protect the interests of IGAD Member States is of immense importance and will bring sustainable solutions to peace, security and prosperity of the IGAD region and beyond.
Amb Guyo commended the commitment of the Government and the people of Uganda to the IGAD initiative on the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. He pointed out that the collective action on the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden will enable IGAD Member States to mitigate the threats and seize opportunity presented by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from key Uganda Ministries, Departments and Agencies, notably, Foreign Affairs, Internal Affairs/Immigration, Security, Defence, Justice and authorities from marine & environmental protection as well as IGAD Focal Point and members of the Task force for Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
