October 6-7, 2026 (ARTA, Djibouti) ICPALD convened an engagement with key legislators, policy makers and government technical experts to build consensus and accelerate parliamentary approval for the ratification and domestication of the IGAD Protocol on Transhumance in Djibouti.
During the opening session, key speakers said: “Activities linked to livestock are important for food security and employment opportunities. The livestock trade plays a major role in the Djibouti economy and regularization of the Protocol will facilitate movement of people and livestock as they trade”, Amb. Moussa Meigague, Director of IGAD Health and Social Division.
“Pastoralism represents the very heartbeat of socio-economic and cultural lifestyle. Due to the challenges faced by transhumance such as climate change, prolonged drought, scarcity of water, degradation of grazing land the Protocol is key in addressing these challenges and boosting the national pastoral system”, Hon. Ibrahim Elmi Mohamed, Secretary General, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.
“Pastoral life in Djibouti is a pillar of rural life and a source of food security. The Protocol provides a common framework for managing pastoral livestock mobility and we assure you of our full commitment to move it forward”, Hon. Omar Ahmed Wais, Second Vice President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Djibouti.
The workshop participants were sensitized and equipped with knowledge on the strategic provisions, socio-economic benefits, governance and security dimensions of the IGAD Protocol on Transhumance, thereby strengthening informed parliamentary support for its ratification. They also developed and adopted a clear inter-sectoral roadmap, outlining key actions, institutional responsibilities and timelines for expediting the ratification process.
Delivering the closing remarks, Mr. Warsama Osman Ahmed, Technical Adviser at the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of Djibouti, commended the quality of the discussions and the strong commitment demonstrated by participants throughout the workshop. On behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, he reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to advancing the process in close collaboration with the relevant government institutions.
So far, the Protocol has been signed by five countries namely: Republic of Sudan on 8th June 2022, South Sudan on 17th June 2022, Djibouti and Ethiopia on 30th November 2022 and Kenya on 6th June 2024.
This policy dialogue session was funded by the EU under Phase II of the Support to Free Movement of Persons and Transhumance in the IGAD Region.
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