IGAD chief urges ministers to settle arrears and stabilise regional body’s finances

IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu urged member states to stabilise the regional organisation’s essential operations, settle outstanding contributions and establish a more durable financing framework at a ministerial meeting in Djibouti on September 15, 2026.

Speaking at the opening of the 74th Extraordinary Session of the IGAD Council of Ministers, Workneh described financial pressure on the organisation as a problem that could be resolved through collective action. He said his report to ministers would address both regional conditions and IGAD’s institutional performance and finances.

The meeting brought together foreign ministers and designated representatives to discuss regional peace and security and institutional matters, including implementation of the IGAD Treaty, according to the organisation’s meeting notice.

Workneh also called for preparation for the approaching El Niño season. His appeal linked the organisation’s ability to operate with its responsibility to respond to shared regional challenges.

The financing requests were proposals to the council. The opening remarks reviewed for this report do not establish that ministers approved them.

Source provenance: [ENA report syndicated by AllAfrica](https://allafrica.com/stories/202609160044.html). The meeting date, agenda and financing appeal were verified against [IGAD’s meeting notice](https://igad.int/74th-extraordinary-session-of-the-igad-council-of-ministers/) and [Workneh’s published opening remarks](https://igad.int/h-e-dr-workneh-gebeyehu-remarks-at-the-opening-session-of-the-74th-extraordinary-session-of-the-igad-council-of-ministers/).