Tensions have reached a boiling point over the recent dismissal of the head of the IGAD Climate Prediction & Applications Centre (ICPAC). The decision, which has sparked outrage and strong objections from Somalia, has now escalated into a bitter dispute between key figures within the organization.
Mohamed Abdi Ware, the deputy secretary of IGAD hailing from Somalia, has found himself at the center of the storm, aligning with IGAD Secretary Workeneh Gebeyehu from Ethiopia in support of the contentious leadership change at ICPAC. This move has exacerbated the rift within the organization, pitting member states against each other in a struggle for influence and control over IGAD’s strategic initiatives.
The controversy erupted following what some have described as a unilateral decision by Secretary Workeneh to dismiss the head of ICPAC, despite vocal opposition from Somalia, which vehemently opposes the removal. Sources close to the matter suggest that the decision was made citing performance concerns, yet the manner in which it was executed has raised eyebrows and fueled suspicions of political maneuvering behind closed doors.
The IGAD Climate Prediction & Applications Centre plays a crucial role in providing vital climate information and forecasts to member states, making the leadership dispute all the more significant in the context of regional climate resilience and adaptation efforts. The fallout from this internal strife threatens to undermine IGAD’s credibility and effectiveness at a time when coordinated regional action on climate change is increasingly urgent.
Efforts to mediate and reconcile the differing viewpoints within IGAD have so far proven futile, with both sides digging in their heels and refusing to compromise. The standoff has cast a shadow over the organization’s ability to function cohesively, leaving many observers concerned about its future trajectory and capacity to address pressing regional challenges.
As tensions continue to escalate, the eyes of East Africa remain fixed on IGAD, awaiting further developments that could either lead to resolution or deepen the division within this critical regional body. The outcome of this standoff may not only shape the future of ICPAC but also influence the broader regional dynamics among IGAD member states for years to come.
