Igad meet in Kampala to discuss regional conflicts

Kampala. The regional member states under the Inter-governmental Authority on Development (Igad) are meeting in Kampala to discuss the role of mediation to end conflicts that have engulfed the region.
The meeting is discussing conflicts in Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and reopening the Eritrea-Ethiopia border that came after 20 years of negotiations.
The regional bloc has played a key role in South Sudan negotiations over a crisis that has left more than two million people displaced.
Dr Aleu Garang, the Igad Coordinator of Mediation Unit said despite delays to integrate the opposition fighters, the conditions were conducive for the South Sudan leader Riek Machar to move to Juba.
Need to chance course
The State Minister for Regional Cooperation, Mr Philemon Mateke, who was the chief guest, said the region is grappling with conflicts and there is need to change course.
The head of European Union Delegation in Uganda, Mr Attillio Pacifici, said the recent terror attack in Nairobi Kenya undermines efforts to end the conflicts in the region.
“There are unprecedented opportunities to accelerate reconciliation and integration among countries in this region but the attacks in Nairobi undermine the positive changes,” he said.
Mr Koang Tutlam Dung, the Igad chairman, said the European and Igad have embarked on a 40 million euro mission to promote peace through negotiation in the region.