The Permanent Representation of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to the African Union (AU) serves as the principal diplomatic link between IGAD and the African Union. The Mission is responsible for strengthening cooperation and policy coordination between the two institutions in support of continental and regional peace, security, development, and integration agendas.
As a Regional Economic Community (REC) recognised by the African Union, IGAD plays a central role in advancing the AU’s Agenda 2063 and in implementing the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and African Governance Architecture (AGA). The Permanent Representation ensures that IGAD’s regional priorities and perspectives are effectively reflected in AU policy processes and decision-making frameworks.
Based at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, the Mission engages with AU organs, Member States, RECs, and strategic partners to promote harmonised approaches to conflict prevention, mediation, climate resilience, food systems, migration, and sustainable development across the Horn of Africa.
The mandate of the IGAD Permanent Representative to the African Union is to:
- Serve as the official representative and liaison of IGAD to the African Union and its organs.
- Strengthen institutional coordination and policy alignment between IGAD and the AU.
- Participate in AU meetings, consultations, and technical processes relevant to IGAD’s mandate.
- Support the implementation of continental frameworks, including Agenda 2063, APSA, and AGA, at regional level.
- Facilitate collaboration between IGAD specialised institutions and relevant AU departments and agencies.
- Mobilise political, technical, and financial support for IGAD-led regional initiatives.
- Promote the visibility of IGAD within AU platforms and foster strategic partnerships with Member States, RECs, development partners, and civil society.
- Monitor and report on continental policy developments relevant to the Horn of Africa and IGAD’s strategic priorities.
