Seven countries were represented in the Inter-Government Authority for Development (IGAD) meeting in Nairobi Kenya on the 20^th of March 2006. In IGAD’s 20^th anniversary, President Mwai Kibaki of  Kenya took over the chairmanship from Yoweri Museveni of Uganda.

The IGAD countries agreed to establish a regional emergency fund involving the private sector to fight ravaging famine in the Horn of Africa. “Poor distribution of food is the reason 11 million people in the Horn of Africa are threatened with famine,” said Museveni.

“Our region is prone to climate extremes, IGAD members are facing severe lengthy drought that has resulted in severe famine and heavy loss of livestock,” said Kibaki.

The members also resolved to support post-conflict reconstruction in Sudan and Somalia. Uganda and other countries are ready to send forces to Somalia to protect the government from militias. 

The European Union (EU) asked the IGAD members to sign a treaty that would usher in stability, security, and development in the Horn of Africa. The EU will give Sh 344 million to build capacity to deal with migration and refugees.  

Those present at the meeting were:- Mwai Kibaki (Kenya), Omar El Bashir (Sudan), Abdullahi Yusuf (Somalia), Yoweri Museveni (Uganda) and Ismael Omar Guelleh (Djibouti). Ethiopian Prime Minister Zenawi and Eritrean government official (Eritrean Minister of Labour and Human Welfare Ms. Askalu Menkerios) also signed the agreement reached at Grand Regency Hotel.