IGAD, Geneva Call Unite to Protect Civilians and Advance Peace in the Horn of Africa

Addis Ababa, September 25, 2025 (ENA) -- The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and Geneva Call have taken a significant step toward strengthening humanitarian action and peacebuilding in the Horn of Africa.

In a landmark move, IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu and Geneva Call Director General Alain Deletroz signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in safeguarding civilians and advancing peace across the region.

The MoU signed in New York today establishes a comprehensive framework for collaboration, with priority areas including the protection of civilians in armed conflicts and other situations of violence, the promotion of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and humanitarian norms through advocacy and education, and support to peacebuilding and conflict prevention through joint initiatives.

It also aims to advance the Humanitarian–Development–Peace Nexus, ensuring coordinated and sustainable responses to complex crises, and to build capacity through training, technical expertise, and knowledge sharing.

This partnership reinforces IGAD’s central role in promoting peace, security, and resilience in the Horn of Africa.

By working alongside Geneva Call, an international organization dedicated to promoting humanitarian norms in armed conflict, IGAD aims to deepen its outreach to communities affected by violence and bolster efforts to prevent future crises.

Reflecting on the significance of the MoU, Workneh Gebeyehu stated: “This partnership reinforces our shared commitment to the humanitarian–development–peace nexus and to safeguarding the dignity and security of our people.”

This MoU represents more than an agreement; it is a shared commitment to protect lives, strengthen humanitarian principles, and foster inclusive, sustainable peace. IGAD and Geneva Call will continue to engage with stakeholders at all levels—governments, communities, and civil society—to ensure that humanitarian action translates into lasting security and dignity for the people of the Horn of Africa.