The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) on Thursday reopened its mission office in Khartoum and resumed its full operations. The reopening ceremony was attended by IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ambassador Muawiya Othman Khalid, along with a number of officials and media representatives. Addressing the ceremony, Ambassador Khalid welcomed the reopening of the IGAD Mission Office in Khartoum, describing it as an important milestone in the course of relations between Sudan and the regional organization. He noted that Sudan has experienced a devastating war unprecedented in the region, adding that the return of regional and international organizations to Sudan reflects the beginning of a new phase as the country approaches overcoming the war and prepares to enter a period of recovery, reconstruction, and development. He added that IGAD is an important partner for Sudan in this journey, noting that Sudan is one of the founding members of the regional organization. He stressed that Sudan recognizes the importance of IGAD’s role in supporting development, stability, and regional cooperation, affirming the Sudanese government’s commitment to working side by side with the organization to achieve common objectives, not only in addressing conflicts in the region but also in advancing the development process. For his part, IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu stated that IGAD is a regional organization established nearly forty years ago and that Sudan is one of its founding members. He said IGAD is not an ordinary organization, but rather a regional family bound by historical ties and a shared destiny, serving as a platform to which member states turn to address the challenges they face. Dr. Gebeyehu explained that the countries of the region are interconnected in a way that cannot be separated and that their future is shared, stressing that Sudan’s instability affects the stability of the rest of the region. He affirmed that IGAD is closely monitoring developments in Sudan and, as a regional organization, is working to provide all possible support. He emphasized that the Sudanese people are the rightful owners of the decisions and issues concerning their country, noting that IGAD has worked closely with various multilateral entities and international organizations to support Sudanese efforts to achieve peace. IGAD Executive Secretary welcomed Sudan’s return to IGAD, describing it as a historic event, and stated that IGAD cannot be a complete organization in the absence of Sudan, given that it is one of its core members and founding states. He expressed his happiness at Sudan’s return to the organization. He noted that his visit came following extensive discussions with the country’s leadership and was aimed at participating in the official reopening of the IGAD Mission Office in Khartoum. He explained that the office was opened four years ago, but the outbreak of war prevented it from continuing its activities, stressing that it has now become a fully operational office. The IGAD Executive Secretary affirmed that the reopening of the office represents a message of solidarity with Sudan and a commitment to supporting peace efforts, as well as rehabilitation, reconstruction, and state-building efforts. He added that the office will work to strengthen communication and link Sudan with various regional and international partners supporting peace, noting that IGAD will continue implementing a program of meetings and consultations agreed upon with the Sudanese leadership. He further explained that the office, under the leadership of the Head of Mission in Khartoum, will serve as a bridge between Sudan, the IGAD Secretariat, and member states, thereby enhancing joint cooperation and coordination. Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu concluded his remarks by expressing his wishes for peace, stability, and prosperity for the Sudanese people, reaffirming IGAD’s commitment to continuing its support for Sudan during the coming phase.BH/BH