Ethiopian takes over Igad mantle after weeks of haggling
Friday November 8 2019
Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, a former Foreign Minister of Ethiopia, who took over on November 7, 2019 as Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development. PHOTO | FILE | AFP
In Summary
- Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, a former Foreign Minister of Ethiopia, faces the challenge of unifying the bloc’s members, bringing in Eritrea and raising funds for a bloc that has often relied on donors.
- The new Executive Secretary on Thursday met ambassadors from Igad countries including Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Sudan and South Sudan.
- Dr Workneh’s appointment will, however, need a formal approval from the Igad Summit, composed of heads of state and governments from member states.
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By AGGREY MUTAMBO
An Ethiopian has taken over the mantle of regional bloc, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (Igad), calming weeks of wrangles that had threatened to stall programmes for the eight-member association.
But Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, a former Foreign Minister of Ethiopia, faces the challenge of unifying the bloc’s members, bringing in Eritrea and raising funds for a bloc that has often relied on donors for most of its programmes.
Outgoing Executive Secretary Mahboub Maalim, a Kenyan diplomat, handed over to Dr Workneh on Thursday.
Mr Maalim completed his two four-year terms in 2007 but had to extend his service as the bloc searched for his replacement.
“He won the donors’ trust because of prudent use of funds. He is both effective and efficient,” Nuur Mohamud Sheekh, a Political Advisor at Igad, said on Mr Maalim’s tenure.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE