April 28-29, 2026 (NAIROBI, Kenya): IGAD concluded a two-day Mediation Reflection Conference bringing together senior policymakers, mediators, diplomats, researchers and peace-building practitioners to examine how mediation approaches can respond more effectively to the evolving nature of conflict in the Horn of Africa.
Convened under the theme ‘Reimagining Mediation in a Fragmented World: The Challenges to African Multilateral Leadership,’ the conference provided a platform for critical reflection on regional, continental and international mediation experiences, with particular attention to the growing fragmentation of conflicts, competing mediation initiatives and the changing geopolitical environment.
The conference was officially opened by H.E. Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Kenya. The opening session also featured welcome remarks by H.E. Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, Executive Secretary of IGAD, and a statement by Ambassador Mohamed Belaiche, Representative of the African Union.
The meeting formed part of IGAD’s efforts to review lessons from past and ongoing peace processes and strengthen mediation doctrines and practices in response to contemporary regional realities. It sought to position IGAD as a centre for revitalised, African-centred mediation norms and practices grounded in regional ownership, institutional coherence and strategic realism.
Participants observed that the conflict landscape in the Horn of Africa has become increasingly complex, with disputes shaped by geopolitical challenges, external influence, fragmented authority, war economies and multiple mediation tracks. These developments have placed pressure on conventional mediation models that are predominantly state-centred, elite-driven and often unable to adapt to rapidly evolving conflicts.
Discussions during the first day focused on reframing mediation within a context of normative erosion, institutional fragmentation and geopolitical contestation. Participants considered the implications of competing mediation initiatives, the declining connection between mediation and sustainable political outcomes, and the conditions required to restore mediation as a credible political instrument.The deliberations further examined mediation as an interconnected ecosystem shaped by regional and global dynamics. Participants explored how mediators can operate effectively in contexts where there is no single recognised political authority or mediation lead, while maintaining legitimacy and working towards a shared political horizon. The conference also assessed the changing nature of contemporary conflicts and the limitations of traditional mediation frameworks.
Particular attention was given to fragmented conflict systems, war economies and the growing influence of regional and international interests on domestic conflicts. The first day concluded with reflections on lessons from African-led mediation experiences. Participants reviewed the strengths, shortcomings, and achievements of previous peace initiatives and considered measures required to rebuild the credibility of African multilateral institutions in conflict prevention, management and resolution. Contributors included Martin Griffiths, former United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Abdul Mohammed, Senior Adviser to the IGAD Executive Secretary; Murithi Mutiga of the International Crisis Group, Jan Pospisil of the Austrian Institute for International Affairs, Intonde Kakuma of Swisspeace, Kholood Khair of Confluence Advisory, El-Ghassim Wane, and Dawit Toga.
On the second day, participants shifted from diagnosis to the development of practical and forward-looking mediation models. Discussions explored how future mediation systems can combine political strategy, legitimacy, inclusivity and adaptability while remaining responsive to the realities of the region. A dedicated session on the IGAD region and the Red Sea examined how geopolitical developments are reshaping mediation and peacebuilding in the Horn of Africa. Participants considered IGAD’s strategic role and the steps required for the organisation to assert stronger leadership in promoting coordinated, regionally owned peace initiatives. Contributors to the second-day discussions included Vasu Gounden, Executive Director of ACCORD, Moses Okello of the Institute for Security Studies, Sean Deely of the Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies, Ambassador Mohamed Ali Guyo, IGAD Special Envoy for the Red Sea and Somalia, Alexander Rondos, former European Union Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, and Hafsa Halawa, researcher and analyst on Africa and the Middle East.
The conference underscored the importance of strengthening African ownership of mediation processes while ensuring effective coordination with continental and international partners. It also highlighted the need for peace processes to integrate the perspectives of women, youth and civil society and to develop approaches that are people-centred, culturally grounded and supported by appropriate technologies.
The meeting concluded with reflections on the strategic direction of IGAD’s mediation work and the institutional, analytical and operational changes required to respond to contemporary conflicts. The insights generated will contribute to strengthening IGAD’s mediation capacity and informing the development of more inclusive, coordinated and context-responsive approaches to peacemaking in the Horn of Africa. The conference is expected to contribute to enhanced regional mediation capacity, a stronger shared understanding of evolving mediation practices and the promotion of African-centred and culturally rooted approaches that support the meaningful participation of women, youth and civil society in peace processes.
This activity is implemented by IGAD with the support of the Government of Denmark.
