Undemocratic rule, poor governance fuelling conflict, says IGAD
The Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity Mr Simon Lokodo (L) and IGAD Peace and Security Division (PSD) Director Mr Siraj Fegessa pictured during the event. PHOTO/ PAUL ADUDE
The Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Peace and Security Division (PSD) Director Mr Siraj Fegessa has said lack of democracy and poor governance have increasingly led to regional conflicts.
“Lack of democracy and good governance which are identified as root causes of conflicts and impediments to sustainable development have become increasingly prominent in the agenda of the African Union and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) including IGAD,” he said.
Mr Fegessa made the remarks during the launch of the IGAD Governance Forum in Entebbe on Friday aimed at strengthening and consolidating IGAD’s engagement with member states to promote good governance, credible elections, rule of law and human rights.
“Promotion of good governance, human rights and credible elections are instrumental for conflict prevention and regional integration. The peace and security strategy of IGAD for the period 2016-2020 recognized deficit in governance as one of the root causes of conflicts in the IGAD region and recommended the establishment of IGAD Regional Governance Forum,” he added.
Mr Fegessa said the forum will be the regional platform for experience sharing and peer learning among the national democratic Institutions of IGAD member states.
The Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity, Mr Simon Lokodo said Uganda has put in place systems and structures to ensure that good governance is promoted and upheld in the region.
“With the IGAD governance forum being created, it will help in creating synergies and a platform for IGAD member states to share and cooperate in the promotion of good governance in the region” he said.
Mr Lokodo said engaging democratic institutions will promote peace and security in IGAD Region.
“We need good governance to ensure that every state enjoys the liberty and comfort of being led in the right direction, respect for each other and sharing the values that everyone is endowed with. As government we have always cherished good governance that is why we hold elections every five years in which we allow everybody to freely participate in,” he said.
