Somalia Parliament Approves IGAD Treaty to Bolster Regional Integration

Somalia, 21 January 2026 Somalia’s House of the People on Wednesday approved the treaty establishing the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), a move intended to formalize the Horn of Africa nation’s role in the regional bloc and strengthen its legal standing on the international stage.

The motion passed with an overwhelming majority in the House of the People, presided over by Speaker Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur, with 141 legislators voting in favour, two opposing, and one abstaining.

The approval followed a third reading presented by Aweys Hussein Maalin, Vice-Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Following the vote, Somalia's State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Mohamed Omar, emphasized that being part of international organizations plays a major role in protecting the country's sovereignty.

"Given our current situation, being part of international organizations plays a major role in protecting the country's sovereignty," Omar said. "Ratifying this IGAD agreement, where we are an active member, will be a major benefit that ensures we no longer face past diplomatic obstacles.”

He noted that four member states (Djibouti, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Kenya) have already ratified the treaty, adding that Somalia will soon join the list.