Mogadishu, Somalia – May 12, 2025 – The House of the People of the Federal Republic of Somalia held its 11th meeting of the sixth session today, during which members passed the first reading of the agreement establishing the IGAD Regional Development Organization (IRDO). The session took place at the House of the People headquarters and was chaired by the Speaker of the House, His Excellency Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur (Madoobe).
With a quorum of 146 members present, the parliamentarians engaged in a robust discussion following the presentation of the agreement’s report by the State Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, His Excellency Ali Balcad.
Minister Balcad outlined the key provisions of the agreement and emphasized the importance of Somalia’s membership in the IRDO. He highlighted the potential benefits for Somalia in terms of regional development, economic cooperation, and access to resources.
Following the Minister’s presentation, members of the House of the People posed questions to officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, seeking clarification on various aspects of the agreement. The questions focused on the specific benefits Somalia would derive from membership, the obligations it would entail, and the potential impact on the country’s development agenda. Minister Balcad and his team addressed the members’ concerns, providing detailed explanations and assurances.
“This agreement represents a significant opportunity for Somalia to strengthen its ties with the IGAD region and to participate in collaborative development initiatives,” stated Minister Balcad.
Speaker Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur (Madoobe) commended the members for their active participation in the debate and emphasized the importance of a thorough review of the agreement. He instructed the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of the People to prepare the second reading of the agreement and to present it to the House for further debate and consideration.
The IGAD Regional Development Organization aims to promote regional integration and development among the IGAD member states, focusing on areas such as infrastructure, trade, agriculture, and environmental management. Somalia’s potential membership in the organization is seen as a crucial step in its efforts to rebuild its economy and integrate into the regional economy.
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