- They said any engagement should uphold the cardinal principles, and any agreement or arrangement should be with the consent of Somalia.
- The members also called for parties in Sudan to commit to dialogue and negotiation.
Image: PCS
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Heads of State have called for de-escalation of tension between Ethiopia and Somalia.
In a statement on Thursday from the 42nd Extraordinary Assembly of the IGAD Heads of State in Uganda, the presidents urged the two nations to engage in constructive dialogue.
"We are deeply concerned by the recent developments regarding the relationship between the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Federal Republic of Somalia and we call upon Ethiopia and Somalia to de-escalate tensions and instead engage in a constructive dialogue," the statement read.
IGAD reaffirmed the cardinal principles of respect for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Somalia.
They said any engagement should uphold the cardinal principles, and any agreement or arrangement should be with the consent of Somalia.
The members also called for parties in Sudan to commit to dialogue and negotiation.
"IGAD’s continued readiness to offer its good offices to facilitate an all-inclusive peace process to end the conflict in close collaboration with all Sudanese stakeholders, AU, and regional and international actors," the statement read.
According to them, Sudan does not belong to the parties to the conflict only but the Sudanese people.
They reiterated their call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire as well as the cessation of hostilities to end the unjust war affecting the people of Sudan to pave the way for a political dialogue.
They underscored the primary responsibility of IGAD Member States to ensure the will of the people of Sudan prevails.
IGAD recalled the commitment of the parties to the conflict for a face-to-face meeting within 14 days and called upon the parties to meet within two weeks.
"The IGAD Member States will utilize all means and capabilities to ensure the conflict in the Sudan is resolved peacefully. We direct the IGAD Secretariat to provide an update to the Assembly and the IGAD Secretariat in coordination with the AUC to revise the Roadmap for the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of Sudan that was adopted at the 14th Ordinary Session of the IGAD Heads of State and Government with clear timelines," the statement read.
They also directed that the Sudanese-owned and Sudanese-led process towards a democratic government should be convened within one month.
They called upon IGAD in coordination with the AU and the international community to mobilize support for the peace process to resolve the conflict in Sudan.
They welcomed the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for appointing members of a High-Level Panel for Sudan.
The Heads of State called on the panel to work closely and collaboratively with IGAD and other stakeholders in facilitating the peace process in Sudan.