In a time of growing global uncertainty, sustained partnership and dialogue remain indispensable. Today, at the IGAD Office in Addis Ababa, I co convened the IGAD–Sweden Annual Partnership Meeting with H.E. Magnus Lennartsson, Ambassador of Sweden to Ethiopia, Djibouti, and IGAD. Our discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in support of peace, resilience, regional integration, and sustainable development across the IGAD region. I thank the government and people of Sweden for the continued partnership and shared commitment to advancing regional solutions to regional challenges.

IGAD Strengthens Ethiopia’s Judicial Capacity to Address Terrorism Financing, Money Laundering and Technology-Enabled Crimes igad.int/igad-strengthens-et…

✅ Closing Session: IGAD Strengthens Judicial Capacity Against Complex Security Threats. 📍 Bishoftu, Ethiopia | 17 May 2026 IGAD Security Sector Program has successfully concluded the three-day National Judicial Training on Financing of Terrorism, Money Laundering, and Technology-Enabled Crimes for senior Ethiopian judges. The training strengthened judicial understanding of terrorism financing, money laundering, Foreign Terrorist Fighters, human trafficking, digital evidence, financial intelligence, intelligence-led investigations, asset recovery, and inter-agency cooperation. Over the three days, participants engaged in expert presentations, case studies, scenario-based discussions, simulations, and practical sessions aimed at enhancing the adjudication of complex national and transnational security cases while safeguarding due process, human rights, and judicial independence. The closing session featured the certification of participants, marking the successful completion of the training and recognition of their active engagement throughout the three days. This training reaffirmed IGAD’s commitment to supporting Member States in building resilient justice and security institutions capable of responding to evolving threats across the Region. This training was generously supported by the Government of #Spain. @MAECgob @EmbSpainAddis #AML #CFT #Ethiopia #Judiciary #ISSP

✅ Day 3: IGAD Strengthens Judicial Capacity Against Complex Security Threats. 📍 Bishoftu, Ethiopia | 17 May 2026 Day 3 of the IGAD Security Sector Program’s National Judicial Training on Financing of Terrorism, Money Laundering, and Technology-Enabled Crimes is underway. Today’s sessions focus on the adjudication of complex multi-jurisdictional security cases, asset freezing, seizure and confiscation, as well as the development of practical recommendations and policy briefs to strengthen judicial response to evolving security threats. The discussions will further enhance the capacity of senior Ethiopian judges to address cases involving terrorism financing, Foreign Terrorist Fighters, human trafficking, money laundering, technology-enabled crimes, and asset recovery within the Horn of Africa’s evolving security landscape. This training is generously supported by the Government of #Spain. @MAECgob @EmbSpainAddis #AML #CFT #Ethiopia#Judiciary #ISSP

IGAD Secretariat Calls for Continued Dialogue in Somalia Read more: igad.int/igad-secretariat-ca…

Glad to open @IGADISSP’s nat’l Judicial trng for #Ethiopia highcourt judges on #CFT, #AML, & tech-enabled #crimes. I emphasized that a well-equipped, well-informed, & well-connected judiciary is a powerful tool to address the threats. Grateful to @EmbSpainAddis for the support.

Honoured to join Heads of State, Government and regional leaders in Djibouti for the inauguration ceremony of H.E. Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, President-elect of the Republic of Djibouti. I extend my congratulations to His Excellency and to the people of Djibouti on this important national occasion. As host of the IGAD Secretariat, Djibouti remains central to our shared work for peace, stability and regional integration.

It was great to meet with senior experts of the US Africa Bureau @StateDept that created valuable opportunity to share @IGADISSP mission, achievements, and the impact of our ongoing efforts on #TSTs. Looking forward to exploring further on possible collaboration . #IGAD

A great pleasure to be part of @IGADsecretariat delegation led by H.E @DrWorkneh at the @WorldBankGroup & @IMFNews Springs meeting in #Washington DC advancing #IGAD’s work and role in the #development, #economicIntegration, #peace #security, and more for the #region. #WBGMeetings

Africa’s security is no longer shaped only at physical borders. It is also being tested in the digital space. Honoured to speak at the 3rd Mashariki Cooperation Conference in Kenya, organised by the Government of Kenya, a vital platform for strengthening African security cooperation at a time of rapidly evolving threats. I underscored that misinformation, propaganda, deepfakes, and digital manipulation now pose real security risks and demand stronger African cooperation, African led solutions, and sustained collective action to safeguard peace, stability, and security across our continent.

Paid a courtesy visit to the IGAD Chair of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Djibouti, H.E. Abdoulkader Houssein Omar, at his office in Djibouti. We discussed the prevailing regional situation, as well as the organisation’s strategic priorities. We agreed on key steps forward and on the need to strengthen coordination to advance peace, stability, and resilience across the region.

Received H.E. Denisa-Elena Ionete, European Union Ambassador to Djibouti and IGAD, for a constructive exchange on matters of mutual interest. We underscored the growing urgency of the evolving regional and global dynamics and the need for coordinated, forward looking responses. IGAD values its partnership with the European Union and remains committed to advancing sustainable solutions for the region.

Growing up and through my career, I’ve witnessed the resilience and determination of women who held families, governments, and communities together, often in the face of great challenges. Their strength continues to inspire us all to advancing women’s leadership across the region. Through initiatives such as the IGAD Women Forums on Peace, Agriculture, Digital Security and Artificial Intelligence, and Land Governance, alongside the IGAD Gender Strategy, we continue to expand opportunities and elevate women’s voices across the IGAD region. On this International Women’s Day, we reaffirm our commitment to a future where women lead and thrive.

Promising start of 2026 @IGADISSP 👉🏽Advanced discussions on #Transnational #Security #Threats, progressed strategic planning for regional cooperation, and deepened partnerships to prevent and counter the threats in the #IGAD region and beyond. Building greater resilience through collective efforts.💪🏽 #ForwardTogether. #PeaceSecurity #IGAD #TSTs

As the blessed month of Ramadan begins, I extend my warmest wishes to Muslim communities across our region and around the world. Ramadan is a time of reflection, compassion, and renewal. Its values of solidarity, patience, and generosity resonate deeply with IGAD’s commitment to peace, resilience, and shared prosperity. May this holy month inspire unity, strengthen dialogue, and bring hope and comfort to all. Ramadan Kareem.

Had a good discussion with @aestivill, Ambassador of @EmbaMexEti on potential areas of cooperation on issues of #Transnational #Security #Threats (TSTs) affecting the #IGAD region and beyond. It was a continuation of our initial conversation on matters of mutual concern with good prospects for collaboration. #SouthSouthCooperation #Trafficking #Smuggling #CyberSecurity #AI #OrganizedCrime #Security #TSTs