30th April 2021, Entebbe, Uganda: The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) launched the IGAD Governance Forum in Entebbe, Uganda with the objective to establish a regional platform for experience sharing among IGAD member States in the area of Governance, Election, Rule of law and Human Rights. Representatives from National Human Rights Institutions, Election Management Bodies, Anti-Corruption Institutions, ombudsman and Judiciary of the IGAD member states were presented at the launching ceremony of the Forum.
The launching of the Forum was officiated by the Hon.Fr. Simon Lokodo, Minister of Ethics and Integrity, Republic of Uganda. The launching was also graced by Amb. Magdib Ahmed, representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sudan as chair of IGAD and Hon. Siraj Fegessa, director of IGAD Peace and Security division.
Hon .Fr. Lokodo in his opening statement welcomed the initiative saying that “With the IGAD Governance Forum being created, it will help in creating synergies and a platform for IGAD Member to share and cooperate in the promotion of good governance in the region”
Hon. Siraj Fegess in his welcoming remarks highlighted that the Peace and Security Strategy of IGAD recognizes deficit in governance as one of the root causes of conflicts in the IGAD region and recommends the establishment of IGAD Regional governance forum to enable its Member States share experiences and peer learning.
“Promotion of democracy, good governance and human rights is instrumental for conflict prevention and regional integration in the region” he added.
The launching of the Forum is supported by the Danish Africa Programme for Peace.
