Somalia seals IGAD treaty ratification
By Kiprono Keileb, January 21, 2026Somalia has taken a major step in regional diplomacy after its Parliament ratified the new Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Treaty, a move that now brings the agreement into force following the achievement of the required two-thirds threshold by member states.
The ratification was announced by IGAD on X on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, marking a key moment for cooperation in the Horn of Africa.
In confirming the development, IGAD said Somalia’s decision signals a renewed commitment to regional peace, development, and shared growth at a time when the region faces overlapping security, climate, and economic challenges.
“The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) welcomes the ratification of the new IGAD Treaty by the House of the People of the Federal Parliament of the Federal Republic of Somalia. The endorsement by Parliament marks a significant milestone in Somalia’s engagement with regional mechanisms for peace, development, and cooperation,” the statement reads.
Ratification
The regional bloc noted that Somalia’s action places it firmly alongside other member states that have already endorsed the treaty, reinforcing the idea that collective action remains central to addressing cross-border challenges.
“This ratification is a testament to the Federal Republic of Somalia’s enduring commitment to regional cooperation and shared progress. By joining fellow Member States Djibouti, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Kenya in ratifying the new IGAD Treaty, Somalia reaffirms its support for the collective aspirations of the region and the principles of mutual respect, partnership, and sustainable development that underpin the IGAD framework,” the statement reads.
IGAD explained that the new treaty replaces the 1996 agreement that established the bloc, following a long process of review aimed at modernising its legal and institutional foundations to better respond to current realities.
“The Agreement Establishing IGAD of 1996 has undergone a revitalisation process, providing the legal and institutional foundation to strengthen collaboration in peace and security, climate resilience, infrastructure, health, trade, and social development among the Member States. It shall now be replaced by the IGAD Treaty of 2023,” the statement reads.
Govt decision
The IGAD Executive Secretary separately welcomed Somalia’s decision, praising both Parliament and the government for taking what he described as a decisive step forward.
“I extend my warm congratulations to the Federal Republic of Somalia on the ratification of the IGAD Treaty, and commend the Somali Parliament and Government for their decisive leadership in advancing this important milestone,” the statement reads.
He further linked the ratification to a broader moment in the organisation’s history, noting its timing as IGAD marks four decades since its formation.
“As IGAD marks its 40th Anniversary, the ratification by the Federal Republic of Somalia helps us reach the required two-thirds threshold, strengthening the legal foundation for deeper regional integration and more coordinated action in trade, peace, and sustainable development across the Horn of Africa. Together, we are building a stronger, more united, and more resilient region for our peoples,” the statement reads.
With the threshold now met, IGAD says attention will shift to implementing the treaty and translating its commitments into practical outcomes for citizens across the region.