Reports are surfacing that Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is positioning himself as a candidate for the Chairmanship of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) — a key regional bloc driving political and economic cooperation in the Horn of Africa.
If confirmed, President Mohamud’s bid would mark a bold move to elevate Somalia’s diplomatic influence on the regional stage. The chairmanship is currently held by President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh of Djibouti, who has led IGAD through a period of complex security and political challenges.
Observers say Mohamud’s candidacy could signal a new era of Somali engagement in regional affairs — one driven by ambitions to strengthen integration, tackle instability, and promote collective development across East Africa.
While IGAD member states have yet to make an official statement, the news has already stirred conversations in diplomatic circles. Many see this as a potential turning point for Somalia’s regional diplomacy, positioning Mogadishu as a more assertive voice in shaping the Horn’s future.
