The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the European Union (EU) convened their Partnership Dialogue on 28th May 2025 in Djibouti.
The Dialogue was co-chaired by the IGAD’s Executive Secretary, H.E. Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, and the Ambassador of the EU to Djibouti and IGAD, H.E. Dr. Denisa-Elena Ionete. It was attended by representatives of the EU Member States, EU officials, IGAD senior staff and experts.
Held in a spirit of shared values and collective responsibility, the Dialogue reaffirmed the joint priorities of both organisations and confirmed their deep commitment to peace and security in the region. Furthermore, it underscored the importance of multilateral and regional efforts aimed at addressing complex political, security, humanitarian, and climate-induced crises in the Horn of Africa.
Both organisations remain deeply concerned about the ongoing conflicts and insecurity in the region, and their impact on the humanitarian situation and human rights of affected populations. Discussions revolved around the issues of irregular migration and displacements, which present both opportunities and challenges for the host nations. The Dialogue also emphasized the necessity of youth engagement in peacebuilding and economic opportunities.
The need to enhance collaboration between IGAD Member States for impactful cross-border cooperation was highlighted, alongside a shared commitment to a results-oriented partnership that addresses the complex and interconnected threats to peace and security in the Horn of Africa. To this end, the use of existing tools and bodies, such as intergovernmental Policy Organs of IGAD, will be fully leveraged to foster discussion on matters of common interest and effectively guide joint strategic dialogue that needs to be conducted jointly with the IGAD Member States.
This Partnership Dialogue round was also set to revitalise a structured policy dialogue between the EU and IGAD, based on mutual understanding. It is taking stock of the resources and entities, that are already in place. Further activities aimed at enhancing regional cooperation on matters of common concern through relevant IGAD mechanisms will be fostered. This will be followed by operational discussions aimed at ensuring the sustainability of actions already funded by the European Union and the EU Member States.
Ultimately, both sides committed to a sustainable and effective coordination mechanism at various levels, bringing together all Team Europe partners involved in supporting IGAD, particularly concerning, peace, security and migration.
Done in Djibouti, on 28th May 2025
