The Role of IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority for Development) in Facilitating Civil War Peace Settlements in the Horn of Africa

Anwar Ayano Idris

doi:10.7176/iags/78-02

Abstract

The aim of this study was critically examine “The role of IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority for Development) in facilitating civil war and peace settlements in the regions” horn of Africa. The political geography of the Horn of Africa primarily encompasses South Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya and Uganda. The regional formation of the Horn has been constructed by variety of natural internal and external factors and forces. The multiplicity of internal and external problems and challenges faced by the sub region that is civil war, violent power struggle, war lordism, and state collapse, natural disaster and cold war conflict and super power rivalries played out in the Horn have led to further reconstruction and expansion of the region. The term greater Horn of Africa is used to describe the common problems faced by the Horn countries and East Africa has hegemonic ally constructed. Keywords: IGAD, Civil War, Peace settlement, Horn of Africa DOI : 10.7176/IAGS/78-02 Publication date: December 31 st 2019

Highlights

The Horn of Africa has distinguished itself and example of hopeless continent or a continent of war with itself
The multiplicity of internal and external problems and challenges faced by the sub region that is civil war, violent power struggle, war lordism, and state collapse, natural disaster and cold war conflict and super power rivalries played out in the Horn have led to further reconstruction and expansion of the region
Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) depended on Western countries to resource its peace process in the Horn

Summary

Introduction

The Horn of Africa has distinguished itself and example of hopeless continent or a continent of war with itself. Horn of Africa is an area of famine, drought, poverty and starvation, civil conflicts and interstates wars as well as political instability. Colonial rule and its legacy left the people of Somalia divided and shared among countries such as Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Kenya This led to interstate wars and border disputes with its neighbors in 1970s in attempt to create greater Somaliland. The oil producing middle east, the approximating of the Horn to international water ways, the security interest of the state of Israel and the Palestinian people and the strategic interests of the major powers have all affected the Horn and further instigated wars, conflicts and insecurity, in the region. The region has links between food and environmental insecurity, conflicts, bad governance and underdevelopment

From Famine to Regional Peace and Security Architecture

IGAD and Preventive Diplomacy in the Horn of Africa

Conclusion