On behalf of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and on my own behalf, I convey to H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya, warm congratulations following his re-election, upheld earlier today by the Supreme Court of Kenya.

06-11-2017, Djibouti, Djibouti: The Ambassadors of some member countries of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to Brussels in Belgium yesterday concluded on a two-day visit to the Secretariat of the regional organisation in Djibouti.

01-11-2017, Djibouti (Djibouti): The Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), H.E. Amb. (Eng.) Mahboub Maalim, yesterday received a delegation from the African Union (AU) in his office.

On Friday 13th in Washington DC, Amb. Mahboub Maalim, the IGAD Executive Secretary held talks with Amb.Mark Green, the USAID Administrator. Their consultations centered on South Sudan Conflict,Resilient Agenda and Preventing Violent Extremism. Amb. Mahboub updated Amb. Green on IGAD's efforts to revitalize the South Sudan. Amb. Green assured Amb. Mahboub of US continued support to IGAD Programmes and activities.

The IGAD Executive Secretary, Amb. Mahboub Maalim held a series of meetings with key Department of State officials among them: Mr. Eric Stromayer, the Deputy Assistant Secretary Bureau of African Affairs; Dr. Raffi Gregorian, the Deputy Coordinator Bureau of Counterterrorism; Mr. Neal Kringel, Deputy Assistant Secretary Bureau of Conflict &Stabilization Operations; and Ms. Manju Sadarangani, Deputy Coordinator Global Engagement Center.

“It is to be noted that the sanctions imposed by the United States of America to Sudan have caused much hindrance to the economic, political and diplomatic functions of this great country”.

On his own behalf and that of IGAD, Amb Mahboub congratulated the government and people of Sudan for their perseverance, optimism and diplomatic skills, despite the seemingly insurmountable challenges that they faced during those tough long years of sanctions.

“I also commend the US for a wise decision that will positively impact, not only the economy of the Republic of Sudan, but also of its neighbouring countries and of the IGAD region as a whole”.

He further called upon the Government of the USA to consider removing Sudan from the list of states sponsoring terrorism. As a Regional Economic Community for the Greater Horn of Africa, IGAD will continue to support all possible efforts to have Sudan considered and dealt with as a respectable member of community of nations.

“IGAD is confident that Sudan will make use of this opportunity to relentlessly pursue its economic and social progress", he concluded. ###