IGAD Calls for Broader Approach to Achieve Lasting Peace in Somalia
The regional bloc said governments in the Horn of Africa must continue working together to strengthen security, promote development, and support inclusive governance.
By Lilian Chemutai
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has urged regional leaders and international partners to adopt a comprehensive approach to securing peace in Somalia, saying military operations alone will not eliminate the threat posed by the Al-Shabaab militant group.
Speaking during the Extraordinary Summit of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) Troop-Contributing Countries, IGAD Deputy Executive Secretary Mohamed Abdi Ware said Somalia’s path to lasting peace depends on combining security efforts with political reconciliation, stronger governance, and economic development.
Ware said the country’s security transition should not be viewed simply as the transfer of responsibilities from African Union peacekeepers to the Somali National Armed Forces. Instead, he described it as an important step in building a stable nation capable of managing its own security and promoting sustainable development.
“The fight against Al-Shabaab is not a military-only mission,” Ware said, noting that communities must be won over by addressing the social, economic, and political conditions that allow extremist groups to gain influence. He emphasized that improving the lives of ordinary Somalis and countering extremist narratives are essential to achieving long-term stability.
His remarks come as the African Union prepares to gradually hand over security responsibilities to Somali forces after nearly 20 years of peace support operations in the country. Ware said the transition presents an opportunity to preserve the gains made through African-led missions while ensuring Somalia has the capacity to maintain peace independently.
He cautioned that the withdrawal of AUSSOM troops must be carried out in a coordinated manner to prevent security gaps that could be exploited by armed groups. According to Ware, close cooperation among the Federal Government of Somalia, troop-contributing countries, the African Union, IGAD, and international partners will be critical to ensuring a smooth transition.
Ware also stressed that strengthening Somalia’s institutions is just as important as improving the capabilities of its security forces. He said the government must continue investing in effective public institutions, expanding economic opportunities for citizens, and promoting national dialogue to address long-standing political divisions.
He dismissed claims that his comments on the transition were intended as criticism of Somalia’s leadership, explaining that the issues he raised were meant to support ongoing efforts to ensure the process is orderly and successful.
“Our objective is to transition Somalia’s security to its indigenous forces in the shortest possible time and send the men and women of the AUSSOM mission back to their home countries as the heroes they are,” Ware said.
IGAD reiterated that regional cooperation remains central to Somalia’s future stability. The regional bloc said governments in the Horn of Africa must continue working together to strengthen security, promote development, and support inclusive governance.
The organization maintained that while military gains remain important in weakening Al-Shabaab, durable peace will only be achieved by tackling the root causes of conflict. It argued that sustained investment in governance, economic growth, and social cohesion will be essential to securing a peaceful and prosperous future for Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa.
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