Somalia: After Floods, a New Tide? Somalia's Parliament Eyes Deeper Regional Ties With IGAD Vote

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Members of Somalia's House of the People will meet today. They will hold a long-awaited parliamentary session. The main agenda is the first reading of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Agreement. This agreement is crucial for strengthening Somalia's regional integration and development.

The IGAD founding agreement establishes legal and institutional frameworks for Somalia. It aims to enhance development cooperation, peace, and political stability in the Horn of Africa. Lawmakers will review the agreement's terms and engage in preliminary debates. They will assess how it aligns with Somalia's national interests, especially in security and economic development.

Ratifying the IGAD agreement is a strategic move for Somalia. It allows the country to benefit from IGAD’s programs and projects. IGAD serves as an important platform for regional cooperation amid challenges like conflict and climate change. Joining formally also boosts Somalia’s diplomatic influence and access to funding.

The parliamentary session is set for Monday, May 12, 2025, at the Somali Federal Parliament in Mogadishu. This meeting resumes parliamentary business after two sessions were postponed due to flooding that made roads impassable. Many MPs could not reach Parliament because of these logistical issues.

All Members of the House of the People will participate in this session. Government ministries, regional partners, and civil society stakeholders are expected to pay attention as well. The Somali public and political observers are closely watching these developments due to their potential impact on national policy.

Today's session will start with a formal presentation of the IGAD agreement. This will be followed by its first reading and an introductory debate. Committee-level analysis will occur in future sittings before a final vote on ratification takes place. Sources indicate broad support for deeper integration into IGAD but some MPs want to review its effects on sovereignty and governance.

Founded in 1996, IGAD includes Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, and Uganda. The organization promotes cooperation in infrastructure, trade, environment, and conflict resolution. Although historically a member, Somalia seeks to reassert its active role after years of instability.

If ratified, this agreement could mark a turning point for Somalia’s engagement with regional bodies. It may lead to deeper integration into East African institutions as well. The upcoming parliamentary debate is a significant step that many are watching closely inside and outside Somalia.