The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) region remains a complex landscape characterized by both modest progress and profound challenges in the area of governance. While Member States have made strides in building democratic frameworks, the region continues to grapple with transnational security threats, political instability, intra- and inter-state conflicts, and climate-induced fragility. A critical observation is that these security challenges are often intrinsically linked to governance deficits, particularly the weakness or absence of robust, inclusive, and accountable democratic institutions.
A critical lesson from global and regional experiences is that securitized responses of conflict are not successful approach for achieving lasting peace. Sustainable peace and security are intrinsically linked to legitimate, accountable, and effective governance. Democratic institutions, including parliaments, independent judiciary, electoral bodies, and oversight agencies (human rights institutions and anti-corruption agencies) form the basis of such governance apparatus. They provide peaceful avenues for political contestation, ensure checks and balances on power, deliver justice, protect human rights, and foster public trust, thereby addressing the root causes of conflict and discontent.
The African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance acknowledges “the contributions of Regional Economic Communities (RECs) to the promotion, nurturing, strengthening and consolidation of democracy and governance. IGAD has also supported the efforts of its member states’ national democratic institutions through capacity building programs for the promotion of good governance, democracy, rule of law and respect of human rights. In line with this, IGAD established the IGAD Governance Forum in 2021.
The objective of the Governance Forum is to be a regional platform for experience sharing and peer learning to strengthen democratic institutions of member states. The Forum also seeks to create a dedicated, high-level platform for dialogue, experience sharing, and consensus-building on how to strengthen key democratic institutions, and figure out areas for harmonization of good governance initiatives at regional level by creating avenues for deepening participatory politics, development of democratic institutions and principles, conducting of regular, fair and free elections, promotion of good governance, and respect for human rights through shared learning practices.
