Dr Workneh Gebeyehu

Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development @IGADsecretariat /Former Police Chief, Minister of Foreign Affairs & Transport of Ethiopia

[Dr Workneh Gebeyehu @DrWorkneh]

Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of #Djibouti’s Minister of Defense, H.E. Hassan Omar Mohamed Bourhan. He was a dedicated statesman, a cherished friend, and a loyal public servant whose leadership greatly contributed to regional security.

My profound condolences go out to H.E. President @IsmailOguelleh, the bereaved family, the Government, and the people of the Republic of Djibouti. The entire @IGADsecretariat region stands in solidarity with you during this time of national mourning. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

[Dr Workneh Gebeyehu @DrWorkneh]

Today, I visited the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Addis Ababa to pay my final respects and honor the memory of the late Father Emir, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
On behalf of IGAD, I signed the official book of condolence, extending our deepest sympathies to His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Al Thani family, and the government and people of Qatar during this time of profound national loss.

[Dr Workneh Gebeyehu @DrWorkneh]

Honored to represent IGAD and delivered speech on historic opening session of the Ethiopian National Dialogue conference today in Addis Ababa.
In my address, I reaffirmed IGAD’s unwavering commitment to supporting inclusive, homegrown processes that pave the way for lasting peace, unity, and prosperity in Ethiopia and the wider region.

[Dr Workneh Gebeyehu @DrWorkneh]

I am deeply humbled by the establishment of the "Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu Scholarship Program in Forensic Science" at the Ethiopian Police University.
My profound gratitude to the Ethiopian Federal Police for this honour. Forensic science is the quiet backbone of justice, and this initiative invests in the young generation of the IGAD region who will carry that work forward long after us. I accept this gesture with humility, and with renewed commitment to the service of our region.

[Dr Workneh Gebeyehu @DrWorkneh]

True regional security is not built on walls, but on the bridges of cooperation we construct between our institutions.
Today in Sandafa, I joined Commissioner General Demelash Gebremichael to sign an MoU between IGAD and the Ethiopian Police University. This partnership will offer our regional law enforcement officers and agencies tuition-free access to advanced training in forensics, cyber-investigation, and counter-terrorism.
By investing in our officers, we are building a unified defense force that ensures a safer, more resilient future for the entire Horn of Africa.

[Dr Workneh Gebeyehu @DrWorkneh]

I extend my warm congratulations to the Government and people of the Republic of South Sudan on the occasion of the country’s 15th Independence Day.

As South Sudan marks this important milestone, IGAD reaffirms its unwavering commitment to working alongside the Government and people of South Sudan in advancing lasting peace, stability, and sustainable development for the continued wellbeing and prosperity of all its citizens.

Happy Independence Day, South Sudan!

[Dr Workneh Gebeyehu @DrWorkneh]

This morning in Djibouti, I received ISAP partners from Finland, Sweden and Switzerland, led by Mr. Joachim Beijmo, Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Sweden and ISAP IV Co Chair, at the IGAD Secretariat.
Our discussions focused on the contribution of the ISAP project to IGAD’s institutional strengthening and its support to the organisation’s regional mandate.
IGAD appreciates the partnership of Finland, Sweden and Switzerland, and their continued commitment to regional cooperation, resilience and integration.

[Dr Workneh Gebeyehu @DrWorkneh]

Today, I received H.E. Hu Bin, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Djibouti and accredited to IGAD for discussions on regional priorities.
We also signed a grant agreement to strengthen institutional support to IGAD. Grateful for China’s steadfast partnership as we work together towards a more peaceful, resilient, and prosperous region.

[Dr Workneh Gebeyehu @DrWorkneh]

Happy Independence Day to the Government and People of the Federal Republic of Somalia, a founding Member State of IGAD.
On this historic occasion, we join you in celebrating your nation’s journey, resilience, and enduring aspirations for peace, unity, and prosperity.
Happy Independence Day, Somalia!

[Dr Workneh Gebeyehu @DrWorkneh]

On the margins of the HSC meetings in Hamburg, I held discussions with Mr. Volker J. Oel, Director General for the Horn of Africa at the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, on deepening the IGAD-Germany partnership and strengthening our cooperation portfolio. We also exchanged views on future priorities and strategic investments that will drive sustainable development, build resilience, and advance shared prosperity across the IGAD region.

[Dr Workneh Gebeyehu @DrWorkneh]

The most effective response to displacement is not greater humanitarian assistance at the destination, but greater investment at the source.
At the Hamburg Call to Action on Internal Displacement side event, organised by UNDP, I called for strategic investments that address the drivers of displacement before people are forced to leave their homes.
At IGAD, we believe that building stable, prosperous, and sustainable communities begins with investing in peace, empowering youth and women, and creating opportunities where displacement originates.

[Dr Workneh Gebeyehu @DrWorkneh]

Wishing the People and Government of the Republic of Djibuti a joyful Independence Day. As a founding member, IGAD Chair, and gracious host of the IGAD Headquarters, Djibouti has made invaluable contributions to promoting multilateral cooperation, regional peace, and development.
On behalf of IGAD, Happy Independence Day, Djibouti!

[Dr Workneh Gebeyehu @DrWorkneh]

Forty years ago, IGAD was established on the principle that climate shocks do not respect borders. This visionary decision by our founding fathers remains relevant and is our greatest asset today.
Recently, this was clearly demonstrated during the locust outbreak in 2023/24, where IGAD's coordinated response was more effective compared to 2019/20 when countries and partners acted independently.
At the round table discussions on Enhancing Resilience in the Horn of Africa, I urged partners to work closely with IGAD to ensure a more resilient and prosperous region.

[Dr Workneh Gebeyehu @DrWorkneh]

The Horn of Africa is one of the most affected regions in the world by climate change. This fact is well known and well reported. As IGAD, with support from our Member States and partners, we have invested in climate early warning services, management and adaptation programs to reduce the impact of climate disasters in the region. However, the stark reality is that climate finance in the IGAD region remains at a record low. During my meeting with H.E. @AbdikerM, IOM Chief of Staff, we agreed to collaborate not only on mitigating the impact of climate change on migration but also on identifying alternative financing models for regional programs aimed at development for marginalized communities.
I look forward to our continued partnership in building lasting solutions for the region.

[Dr Workneh Gebeyehu @DrWorkneh]

Pleased to meet with H.E. Dr. Issa Faye, Director General for Global Practices and Partnerships at @IsDB_Group, on the sidelines of the IsDB meetings in Baku. We discussed ways to strengthen the IGAD-IsDB partnership across climate change, infrastructure, health, and social sectors to reduce regional fragility. IGAD looks forward to this partnership as we work to address complex regional challenges.

[Dr Workneh Gebeyehu @DrWorkneh]

On the margins of the IsDB Annual meetings in Baku, I was received by H.E. @YalchinRafiyev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, with whom we discussed matters of mutual concern, including peace and security, climate change, education, and capacity building in digitalization of government services. We’ve agreed on a roadmap to institutionalize our partnership to create more opportunities for the people of our region

[Dr Workneh Gebeyehu @DrWorkneh]

As we mark the beginning of the Islamic New Year, I extend my warmest wishes to Muslims across the IGAD region and around the world.
May this new year bring peace to our communities, prosperity to our nations, and hope to all those striving for a better future.

Hijri Mubarak.

[Dr Workneh Gebeyehu @DrWorkneh]

Farewell to H.E. Dr. Heike Fuller, the outgoing Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Republic of Djibouti and Permanent Representative to IGAD.

H.E. Dr. Heike Fuller has played important role in strengthening IGAD–Germany relations, through which we jointly implemented initiatives that support migrants and vulnerable communities across the IGAD region.
I wish her every success in her future endeavours.

[Dr Workneh Gebeyehu @DrWorkneh]

Today, I received H.E. Mohammed Saeed the Ambassador of the Republic of the Sudan to the Republic of Djibouti for a courtesy call.
Our discussions focused on the evolving situation in Sudan, the humanitarian challenges facing affected communities, and the importance of strengthening support for the Sudanese people during this critical period.
I reaffirmed IGAD’s commitment to supporting initiatives that advance peace, stability, and recovery in Sudan.

[Dr Workneh Gebeyehu @DrWorkneh]

This afternoon, I joined fellow Chief Executive Officers of the African Union Regional Economic Communities in a meeting chaired by H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, to discuss strengthening AU–REC coordination and enhancing collaboration through joint planning and information sharing for the benefit of our people.
During the meeting, I reaffirmed IGAD’s commitment to working with the African Union, RECs, and Member States, guided by the principles of subsidiarity, complementarity, and comparative advantage, to advance regional integration and shared prosperity.