The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has emphasized the need for enhanced coordination between continental and regional bodies in advancing Africa’s early warning and conflict prevention systems. This call was made by IGAD Executive Secretary, Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, during the 4th Policy Session of the African Union’s Inter-Regional Knowledge Exchange (I-RECKE) platform held this week.
Speaking alongside regional leaders and representatives from other Regional Economic Communities (RECs), Dr. Workneh underscored the importance of aligning early warning systems to effectively mitigate emerging threats to peace and security across the continent. He urged all RECs and regional mechanisms to make use of the I-RECKE platform as a structured space for transformative collaboration.
Dr. Workneh reiterated IGAD’s commitment to strengthening early warning mechanisms that not only identify potential conflicts but also catalyze timely and collective responses. “Africa’s security will be shaped not only by how early we detect threats, but by how boldly and collectively we act to prevent them,” he noted.
The I-RECKE platform, spearheaded by the African Union, aims to foster synergy between regional and continental institutions by facilitating knowledge exchange, joint planning, and alignment of priorities in the areas of conflict prevention and peacebuilding. The platform plays a crucial role in ensuring that early warning signals translate into actionable strategies for the timely resolution of conflicts.
Dr. Workneh’s remarks come at a time when Africa faces rising insecurity in several regions, driven by political instability, climate-induced displacement, and transnational threats such as terrorism. In this context, coordinated early warning systems are essential to pre-empt crises and promote long-term peace.
Participants at the policy session echoed the call for enhanced collaboration, emphasizing the need for political will, adequate funding, and technology-driven data systems to support early warning efforts.
As the AU continues to promote the “Silencing the Guns” agenda, initiatives like I-RECKE are pivotal in ensuring that Africa’s peace and security architecture is not only reactive but also preventive and proactive. IGAD’s leadership in this space highlights the growing role of regional organizations in shaping the continent’s collective security future.
