IGAD Legal Unit

The IGAD Legal Unit serves as the cornerstone of the Organization’s legal framework, providing strategic guidance, advisory services, and legal support across all IGAD divisions, programmes, projects, and units. While not a standalone programme or division, the Unit’s cross-cutting mandate ensures coherence, compliance, and credibility in IGAD’s internal operations and external engagements.

Operating at the intersection of law, policy, and diplomacy, the Unit facilitates the negotiation, drafting, and interpretation legal instruments. It plays a pivotal role in strengthening institutional governance, safeguarding the interests of the Organization, and advancing the rule of law within the IGAD region.

The Legal Unit leads on matters of international legal cooperation and stakeholder engagement, working closely with IGAD Member States, regional and global partners, and other stakeholders to build consensus, resolve disputes, and promote legal harmonization in areas critical to IGAD’s mission.

With the anticipated entry into force of the IGAD Treaty, the Unit is poised for exponential growth to meet the evolving needs of a more integrated, legally robust, and dynamic IGAD. Its expansion will not only enhance internal institutional capacity but also enable the Organization to better serve its Member States through sound legal stewardship, policy innovation, and regional integration.

Inculcating the culture of good governance in Africa by equipping future leaders with critical skills, mentorship, insights, networks and tools to navigate leadership challenges and drive Africa’s economic growth.

The Legal Unit is mandated to provide comprehensive legal support and guidance to the Organization and its Organs. This includes advising on legal matters, drafting and reviewing legal instruments, and institutional policies, ensuring compliance with national and international legal standards, and safeguarding the legal integrity of the Organization. The Unit also plays a critical role in supporting the implementation of the IGAD Treaty, promoting legal harmonization across Member States, and fostering partnerships to advance regional integration, peace, and good governance.