ADDIS ABABA, April 9 (Xinhua) -- East African countries, under the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) umbrella, on Tuesday disclosed a draft protocol on conflict prevention, management and resolution (CPMR) for the IGAD region.
The draft protocol, which is under scrutiny by IGAD's Mediation Support Unit (MSU) in an ongoing two-day meeting that brought together legal and security officials of IGAD member states, is expected to effectively respond to regional security challenges through early warning mechanism.
The legal and security experts meeting of the ministries of justice and foreign affairs of East African countries will inform and shape the CPMR draft protocol which "will serve a standardized guide and mechanism for member states to jointly, effectively, efficiently and transparently design interventions," the East African bloc, IGAD, said in a statement on Tuesday.
Siraj Fegessa, Director of IGAD's Peace and Security Division, underscored during the meeting the IGAD's vision "to build and strengthen member states' capacity in preventive diplomacy and mediation."
Fegessa also stressed IGAD's aspiration in guiding its member states on prevention and response capabilities "to tackle conflicts in an efficient and timely manner towards regional peace, stability and development."
Agabio Mutembei Mutegi, IGAD's focal person from Kenya's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also commended the East African bloc for its effort in boosting member states' capacity in mediation and prevention of possible security threats.
Mutegi also emphasized IGAD's role in "taking a leading role in conflict resolution, prevention through early warning and mediation in the region."
The regional protocol on conflict prevention, management and resolution is expected to be endorsed and adopted by the IGAD policy organs after discussion by legal and security organs of IGAD member countries, it was noted.
