The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is optimistic that the instability around the Gulf of Eden and Red Sea will be resolved in the coming days.
This follows the endorsement of the Regional Plan of Action (RPA) and Common Position by the eight member countries.
Over 10 per cent of the global maritime trade passes through the region which has faced rising cases of piracy, resurgence of extremist groups and kidnapping.
In a joint communiqué released after a three-day meeting in Lake Naivasha Resort, the authority termed the implementation of RPA as key to the achievement of peace and security.
According to IGAD Special Envoy for the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Somalia Mohamed Ali Guyo, the initiative would help address the security threats.
Guyo said they were working tirelessly to ensure stability in both its terrestrial and maritime domains, terming the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden as pivotal arenas.
“IGAD leadership has recognised the importance of convening all stakeholders to transform this region into a hub of peace and economic prosperity," he said.
He added that over the past decade, the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden had witnessed a surge in regional and international competition.
Guyo said the interests of IGAD member states had been overlooked by international players owing to a lack of dialogue, shared norms, common goals and coordination.
“The IGAD Council of Ministers directed the establishment of a special taskforce to develop a Common Position and Regional Plan of Action and this has been achieved,” he said.
On his part, the Director General in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Moi Lemoshira said the insecurity in the region had affected development.
He said the rise in terrorism and extremist groups had an effect on all the member states hence the calls for joint collaboration.
“The Gulf of Eden and Red Sea has very high potential but insecurity, political transition and instability in some member countries have hampered efforts to reap from the region,” he said.
Lemoshira was full of praise for the taskforce appointed to look at the opportunities and challenges of the IGAD region, adding that their report would help in coming up with a road map.
“The full effects of climate change have been felt in the last two years and this coupled with instability in some countries has created a window for insecurity and terrorism,” he said.
