Parliament to debate new IGAD treaty

By Awan Achiek

The Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) is set to debate the new treaty stabling the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

The treaty was tabled on Wednesday by the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.

The new treaty replaces the agreement that gave birth to IGAD in 1996, effectively putting in place several changes, including its chairmanship.

Joseph Malek Arop, the Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, said the treaty will widen and deepen cooperation among member States to achieve sustainable development in the region.

“The purpose of the treaty is to replace the agreement establishing the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development to widen and deepen cooperation to achieve sustainable development,” Malek said during presentation of the treaty before MPs in Juba.

Malek said the objectives of IGAD are to accelerate regional economic, social, environmental and political integration and cross border cooperation among member States.

Oliver Mori Benjamin, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee for Information and Communication said the house submitted the bill to the Committees of Foreign Affairs, Legislation and Justice, and the committee of National Security and Public Order for proper scrutiny of the treaty.

Lawmakers are supposed to debate the treaty within two weeks from Wednesday.

The treaty was adopted by Heads of States and government during the 14th ordinary session of the IGAD summit held in Djibouti on 12 June 2023.

It expands and diversifies areas of cooperation among member States and with the international community.

The chairpersonship will henceforth be on a one year rotational basis, with member States assuming office in alphabetical order. The rotation will be done at the assembly summit every 12th of June.

The treaty mandated the council with dispute resolution through negotiation.

It further provides the regional body with powers to impose sanctions on member States.

It also mandates every policy organ of IGAD to have a defined number of meetings per calendar year including quarterly, biannually and annually as applicable.

The treaty will enter into force after at least two-thirds of the member States have signed it.