Ambassador Hossam Zaki, Assistant Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, represented Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General, at the 42nd extraordinary summit of the Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD). The summit took place on Thursday, 18 January in Entebbe, Uganda, under the leadership of President Ismail Omar Guelleh, who currently holds the position of Chair for the IGAD session.
In his statements following the summit, Ambassador Zaki conveyed the League's perspective on the two key topics under discussion. These included the crisis between the Republic of Somalia and Ethiopia arising from the latter's signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Somaliland region and the second involved supporting peace efforts in Sudan.
During his address, Ambassador Zaki emphasised the Arab stance on the "Memorandum of Understanding for Partnership and Cooperation" signed between Ethiopia and the Somaliland region. He reiterated the League Council's decision, issued at the ministerial level on 17 January, expressing full solidarity with the Somali state. The League considered the memorandum invalid and unacceptable, rejecting any legal, political, commercial, or military implications resulting from it.
Ambassador Hossam Zaki underscored that the League of Arab States regards the Somaliland region as an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia. He emphasised that any arrangements concerning this region should primarily result from political dialogue among the unified Somali people.
Regarding the situation in Sudan, the Assistant Secretary-General highlighted the imperative to halt armed clashes to prevent further bloodshed. He emphasised the importance of preserving the security and safety of the Sudanese people, safeguarding their gains, territorial integrity, and sovereignty. Additionally, Ambassador Zaki urged the preservation of Sudanese national institutions, rejection of any external interference in internal Sudanese affairs, and stressed the significance of supporting international and regional coordination aimed at halting bloodshed and restoring peace and stability in the country. He stressed the necessity of involving the Sudanese state in any regional or international initiatives designed to achieve these goals.
