MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia has hosted for the first time in Mogadishu a high-level meeting of the Permanent Secretaries’ Committee of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the Conflict Early Warning and Response Mechanism (CEWARN), bringing together senior government officials and regional security experts to discuss strategies for strengthening peace, security, and conflict prevention across the Horn of Africa.
The two-day conference brought together representatives from IGAD member states, officials from the IGAD Secretariat, and technical experts from CEWARN to examine regional security challenges and explore ways to improve cooperation in preventing conflicts before they escalate.
The conference was officially closed by Hamsa Adan Haadow, Permanent Secretary of Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, who emphasized the importance of stronger regional partnerships and coordinated efforts to achieve sustainable peace and stability.
Strengthening Regional Conflict Prevention Mechanisms
A central focus of the discussions was the development and improvement of early warning systems designed to identify emerging security threats, political tensions, and potential conflicts before they develop into major crises resulting in loss of life and destruction of property.
Participants also discussed strengthening cooperation among IGAD member states, particularly in conflict prevention, intelligence and security information sharing, and coordinated responses to emerging security threats across the region.
The discussions highlighted the importance of timely information exchange, effective regional coordination, and preventive diplomacy in addressing the complex security challenges facing countries in the Horn of Africa.
Somalia Strengthens Its Role in Regional Peace and Security
Hosting the meeting in Mogadishu for the first time represents an important opportunity for Somalia to demonstrate its engagement in regional peacebuilding initiatives and strengthen its position within regional diplomatic and security cooperation frameworks.
The gathering also provided a platform for senior officials and technical experts to exchange experiences, assess existing conflict-monitoring mechanisms, and identify practical approaches to improving regional early warning and response capabilities.
IGAD plays a central role in promoting regional cooperation, political dialogue, and peace and security across the Horn of Africa. Through CEWARN, the organization works to monitor potential conflict risks, analyze emerging threats, and provide early warnings to support preventive action.
The meeting concluded with renewed emphasis on collective responsibility, stronger institutional cooperation, and the importance of addressing regional security challenges through dialogue and coordinated preventive measures.
