Somalia to host IGAD for the first time in 30 years

Somalia is making headlines as it hosts the 53rd summit of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) for the first time in 30 years. The heads of states from Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Uganda, South Sudan, and Sudan have gathered in Mogadishu for the landmark event. The summit aims to address critical issues such as regional peace, security, development, and Somalia's upcoming presidential election scheduled for October 2016. Andrew Franklin, Managing Director at Franklin Management Consultants Ltd., joined CNBC Africa to shed light on the significance of this meeting. One of the key themes of the summit is the validation of Somalia's improving security situation. Andrew Franklin highlighted that hosting such a high-profile event in Mogadishu demonstrates a certain level of safety and security that has been achieved in the region. This serves as a positive sign for Somalia's progress towards stability and development. Andrew Franklin, a security expert, emphasized the importance of commitment from member states and well-wishers to support Somalia and South Sudan. The summit is expected to address the level of involvement and resources allocated to facilitate long-term peace and security in the region. With South Sudan's representative present at the meeting, the support for the official government led by President Kiir is evident, signaling a unified stance towards achieving peace. When it comes to addressing the challenges in Somalia, particularly with the upcoming election, Andrew Franklin stressed the need for increased funding and resources. He urged the troop-contributing countries to provide better equipment and training to enhance the capabilities of the troops, aligning them with international standards. Moreover, the discussion also touched upon the decision by the Kenyan government to reduce the number of boots on the ground in Somalia, a move that Andrew Franklin deemed untimely and potentially detrimental to the ongoing security efforts. The issue of Burundi's troops within the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) also surfaced during the conversation. Despite not being a focal point of the summit, the effectiveness and status of Burundian troops remain crucial, as they account for 25% of the AMISOM forces. Any instability or withdrawal of these troops could create a security vacuum that extremist groups like Al-Shabab could exploit. In conclusion, Andrew Franklin highlighted the critical need for sustained commitment and support from all stakeholders to ensure lasting peace and security in the region. The IGAD summit in Mogadishu signifies a pivotal moment for Somalia and its neighboring countries, offering a platform to address pressing issues and collaborate towards a more stable and prosperous future.