IGAD and International IDEA sign memorandum of understanding to promote peace and security
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) on November 17 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the promotion of good governance, democracy, peace and security in the IGAD Region. The MoU was signed by the Executive Secretary of IGAD, H.E (Amb) Mahboub Maalim and International IDEA’s Africa and West Asia Regional Director, Prof Adebayo Olukoshi.
Senior officials from both organizations were present at the International IDEA office in Addis Ababa.
H.E Amb Mahboub Maalim, welcomed the collaboration between the two organizations. In his remarks, the Ambassador recalled the African Union Reforms and the efforts of the Union to transform, reinforce and ensure service delivery to the African citizenry within the framework of Agenda 2063. He highlighted the need to localize service delivery, and role the two organizations will play in contributing to the efforts of the region to promote democracy and sustainable peace.
Similarly, Prof Adebayo Olukoshi welcomed the cooperation and recognized the important linkages between democracy and development. In efforts to achieve peace in the Horn and East of Africa, the Regional Director acknowledged central role of IGAD and stated International IDEA’s readiness under the leadership of IGAD to complement the efforts of Member States in consolidating and strengthening democracy and development.
International IDEA, an ntergovernmental organization mandated to promote sustainable democracy worldwide, has worked with several IGAD Member States since its founding in 1994. Currently, the organization implements programs in Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Somalia.
Sustainable peace and development are closely linked to sound democratic governance. Therefore, in efforts to promote sustainable peace and development in the IGAD region, the two organizations plan to implement programs on good governance, democracy, electoral governance, early warning, mediation, countering violent extremism and enhancing research and dialogue.
