The United States warmly congratulates Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh on his election as chairman of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) during the IGAD Summit held in Djibouti June 12. The United States also welcomes the extension of IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu's tenure.
Since its founding nearly 40 years ago, IGAD has been at the center of international efforts to mobilize effective responses to crises in the Horn of Africa, including the ongoing drought and other natural disasters. We also recognize and welcome IGAD's increasingly active role in conflict resolution in the region.
The United States looks forward to continuing to work closely with President Guelleh and IGAD to promote peace and prosperity as well as regional integration and development in East Africa.
