ARTA, Djibouti —(Hornpost) Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh has proposed creating a regional peace institute in Arta. The proposal came during a ceremony marking 25 years since the Arta Peace Conference.
The conference took place in 2000. It brought Somali political and community representatives together to discuss reconciliation and the restoration of national governance.
Guelleh said the anniversary was not simply an opportunity to celebrate past achievements. Instead, he said, it should highlight the value of dialogue in resolving conflicts across the region.
He also warned that ongoing conflicts in Africa continue to undermine stability and economic development.
Guelleh Calls for a Regional Peace Institute
Guelleh proposed turning the Arta memorial into a Regional Institute of Peace. The proposed institute would focus on peace research, political dialogue and training.
It would also help prepare future leaders, academics and peace mediators. These professionals could use research and dialogue to address conflicts and prevent further violence.
Guelleh said the institute could become a permanent platform for regional cooperation. It would also help countries develop their own capacity to resolve disputes peacefully.
Arta Conference Remembered for Somali Reconciliation
Guelleh highlighted Djibouti’s role in supporting the Arta peace process. He said the initiative helped create conditions for the restoration of Somali governance after years of conflict.
The 2000 conference brought together Somalis at a time when the country lacked a functioning central government. It sought to build agreement on a path toward political recovery.
Guelleh also stressed that Somalis themselves played a central role in the process. Their participation, he said, was essential to the conference’s legacy.
The Arta conference remains an important milestone in Somalia’s efforts to rebuild its political institutions. However, the country has continued to face political and security challenges since then.
Somali and Regional Leaders Attend Ceremony
The anniversary ceremony brought together senior officials from Somalia, Djibouti and regional organizations.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud attended the event. Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and four former Somali prime ministers were also present.
Other attendees included African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu.
Djibouti was represented by Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed and National Assembly President Dileita Mohamed Dileita. Other government officials also attended.
Djibouti’s first lady, Kadra Mahamoud Haid, was among the participants. She also leads the National Union of Djiboutian Women.
The ceremony gave regional leaders an opportunity to reflect on the Arta conference’s legacy. It also renewed attention on dialogue and reconciliation as tools for addressing conflicts in the Horn of Africa.
Guelleh’s proposal seeks to give that legacy a permanent institutional role through research, training and regional cooperation.
Prepared by
Hornpost staff
