An IGAD summit on peace and security is underway at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi.
The 39th extraordinary assembly of heads of state and government was convened by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, President to the transition sovereignty council of the Republic of South Sudan in his capacity as chair of the IGAD council.
The Kenyan delegation at the summit is led by President Uhuru Kenyatta who is accompanied by several Cabinet Secretaries.
They include Peter Munya of Trade, Eugene Wamalwa of Defence, Raychelle Omamo of Foreign Affairs and Mutahi Kagwe of Health.
Before the start of the meeting, the IGAD secretariat appreciated Kenya's efforts through the ministries of Health and Foreign Affairs for promoting regional integration by providing free Covid-19 testing and services to all member states' delegations attending IGAD events in Kenya.
The meeting will focus on peace and security in the region with particular emphasis on conflict, terrorism and violent extremism, the proliferation of illicit arms, illegal migration and human trafficking.
The summit will have two sessions; the open session which will be for the media and partners and a closed-door session limited to IGAD heads of state and government only.
“As leaders, it’s incumbent upon us to work together and to do so boldly and creatively to navigate the multiple crises that we face, seize opportunities as they emerge and define a path of peace and sustainable economic development. It is in our interest to do so,” Uhuru said in his opening remarks.
“We as a region are without a doubt a formidable force. As we work together towards a common agenda and collectively seek solutions to the challenges that we face as a region,” he added.
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