The 2023 Re-Revitalized Treaty Establishing the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development: Does it fit to the 21th Century?

Abstract

After a decade and half debate and discussion, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) was re-revitalized on June 12, 2023 with a view to adapt to the changes on the internal and international scene and the African Union reforms.  This research investigates whether the new re-revitalized IGAD Treaty which would replace the 1996 Agreement Establishing IGAD fit to the 21th Century and suggests the way forward for its viability. Qualitative design was employed. It is found that in spite of the fact that the Treaty was adopted which re-revitalized IGAD, it has failed to incorporate major provisions critical for its viability in the 21st Century. These provisions include among others the establishments of organs like the Community Parliament, the Economic and Social Council, the Community Court of Justice; Specialized Technical Commissions; most favored nation treatment, a Committee of regional Central banks; immigration; granting special treatment of land-locked States; and adopting common positions within the Community on issues relating to international negotiations with third parties in order to promote and safeguard the interests of the region. This may imply that member states of IGAD are not yet ready to expand its mandate and cede power to various institutions that the 21th century requires for a vigorous REC in the Horn of Africa.  So, for an effective economic integration to happen in the IGAD region, a strategy for creating a strong supranational authority and engaging the public through establishing independent institutions such as Parliament, Economic and Social Council, and Court of Justice, independent Professional Technical Committees, framing a legal framework to act together, and adopt common positions within the REC in order to promote and safeguard the interests of the region should be devised.