As we mark the beginning of the Islamic New Year, I extend my warmest wishes to Muslims across the IGAD region and around the world. May this new year bring peace to our communities, prosperity to our nations, and hope to all those striving for a better future. Hijri Mubarak.

Glad to welcome Dr. Yero Baldeh, Director of the Transition States Coordination Office at the African Development Bank Group @AfDB_Group and his team to IGAD Headquarters in Djibouti, for the launch of the ‘Strengthening Early-warning data and Crisis-prevention initiative for Regional Stability in IGAD’. This initiative, through @IGAD_CEWARN, will help IGAD Member States (Djibouti, Sudan, Somalia, and South Sudan), particularly those in post-conflict and fragile states, in improving the monitoring and reporting of conflict early warning data, strengthen risk analysis and predictive approaches, and ensure that information generated from communities, national structures, and regional trends is translated into practical prevention and stabilization measures.

Congratulations to my brother, my Vice President and President of HirShabelle State of Somalia, HE Ali ‘Guudlaawe’ Hussein @GudlaweHussein for successfully completing a number of critical State Building Projects, most notably the State House and the HirShabelle Parliament started during our joint Administration. The security dividend resulting from the fight against Al Shabaab and the opening of the Mogadishu- Jowhar road clearly paid dividends. I encourage you to utilize the generated goodwill, and the assembled HirShabelle stakeholders, especially the traditional elders, to initiate a process of dialogue and reconciliation that will take HirShabelle State to new heights.

IGAD Executive Secretary Commends Referee Omar Artan on Historic European Assignment IGAD Executive Secretary, H.E. @DrWorkneh, has extended his warmest congratulations to Somali Referee Omar Artan, who has been selected to officiate the highly anticipated match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Aston Villa on August 12 in Salzburg, Austria. Highlighting the significance of this milestone, the Executive Secretary stated: "The faith instilled in Omar by UEFA, CAF, and FIFA is proof of how far hard work, passion, and dedication can take you. Congratulations to Referee Omar of Somalia. To the youth across the IGAD region: the sky is no longer the limit. Our new horizon is a united region driven by world-class experts, talents, and leaders." #OneRegionOneFuture #RisingWithIGAD

Kenya-Belgium relations.

‘Actions taken in the coming hours and days may have lasting consequences for Somalia’s security, unity, and future.’- US Embassy, Mogadishu. With our sad and difficult history, How unfortunately true! Cessation of hostilities and reducing the tension urgently needed. Name-calling and demonization of political rivals must stop. Dialogue is the only acceptable option.

IGAD Calls for Immediate De-escalation to Protect Somalia’s Stability and Future Read more: igad.int/igad-calls-for-imme…

The trip of President @WilliamsRuto to Northern Kenya, with its unveiling of significant infrastructure and development projects, the commitment for further investment to foster parity with the rest of Kenya, and the empathy, acknowledgment and Presidential apology for past injustices was historic. The trip will not only foster development, but will create healing that will positively impact not only Northern Kenya, but also with brotherly communities across the border in Somalia and Ethiopia. But the most impactful announcement for the long term future of the youth, and one which, in my opinion, did not receive significant coverage, is the decision to incorporate Quranic schools- so called madrassas- into the formal education system of Kenya. This move will hopefully bring resources, training, certification and oversight for the only education that many Muslim children receive. It will help with the fight against radicalization and potential terrorism, by ensuring, through certification and oversight, that radicalized teachers do not infect young minds. And it will facilitate the seamless graduation of students from Quranic schools into primary classes, specially for girls and children from poor households, increasing formal education significantly. A revolutionary decision that should be adopted by both Muslim majority and minority countries! 👍🏽👏👏🙏🏾 @SingoeiAKorir @MusaliaMudavadi @EduMinKenya @WajirKE @AhmedJiir

Disease outbreaks do not respect borders, and neither should our response. This morning, together with IGAD Health Ministers, I convened the IGAD Extraordinary Health Ministerial Meeting on the current Ebola outbreak. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to collective preparedness and response. With @pandemicfund ,@WHO and @ifrc, we pledged USD 1 million to each Member States. I urge the public to remain vigilant, follow health guidance, and report suspected cases promptly.

Glad to welcome Hon. Kebede Abera, Deputy Head of Mission of the Federal Democratic Republic of #Ethiopia to IGAD Headquarters in #Djibouti. I congratulated him on the orderly and peaceful conduct of the elections in Ethiopia, to which IGAD has sent an observation mission, led by HE Dr. Speciosa Wandira-Kazibwe @SpeciosaW. Also discussed peace and security in the region, impact on irregular migration in the Djibouti-Red Sea corridor, and preparations for the next IGAD Committee of Ambassadors’ Meeting in Djibouti. @SMHaderaAbera @BerhanuTsegaye @ETEmbassyJIB

On behalf of the Government and the Republic of Kenya, I extend my sincere apology to the people of Northern Kenya for the hardships and exclusion you have endured over the years. Your resilience in the face of these challenges is a testament to the strength and patriotism of this region. Today, however, we are charting a different course. Our administration is making significant progress in restoring equity, expanding opportunity, and ensuring that Northern Kenya takes its rightful place in our nation's transformation journey.

Kenya’s 63rd anniversary of self governance is occassion to reflect on attainments made in our journey towards fuller and larger freedoms and a call to rededicate ourselves to the founding ideals of the Republic. God bless Kenya.

The people of Ethiopia are an extraordinary and remarkable people. Other than the Creator, who can truly know and assess our people in their entirety? Through this year’s election, Ethiopians have once again shown the world that they are a people with a rich culture, deep patriotism, and the ability to safeguard the common good. On this historic day: * Citizens who were not intimidated by the cold and darkness of the night, * Who were not deterred by the midday sun or sudden rain, * Whom weddings, funerals, childbirth, and other social obligations did not prevent from participating, * Who were not wearied by long lines, * Whose physical disabilities did not stop them from casting their vote, * Those whose illness and old age did not prevent from witnessing the hope of their country, * Who were not exhausted by carrying their infant children; the future inheritors of the nation, * And above all, whom the shouting and threats of enemies could not intimidate or stop; The perseverance you demonstrated amid many challenges and hardships, against all odds, was a contribution made for democracy and for the very survival of the nation. For this, you deserve heartfelt gratitude. It is a privilege to serve such a people. Therefore, may those who have been elected honor the trust placed in them and serve this people, with integrity and sincerity! A people who have paid a great price for the democratic system. May you be worthy of that responsibility.

Joint statement from the international community ⬇️

As Kenyans across the country come together to celebrate, we wish you a peaceful and memorable Madaraka Day

Congratulations, JT. Best wishes for the new chapter in your involvement with Africa!