Conflict and Humanitarianism in the Horn of Africa

Summary  

This seminar will feature a discussion with Abdul Mohammed led by Nuur Mohamud Sheekh on Conflict and Humanitarianism in the Horn of Africa. In recent years, the Horn of Africa has faced unparalleled humanitarian challenges, leading to substantial internal displacements in Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, and South Sudan. These crises are closely intertwined, shaped by shared geography, historical and fluid political contexts, and the strategic importance of the region. Abdul will draw upon his expertise and extensive experience to discuss the conflict and humanitarian crisis, especially in relation to the ongoing war in Sudan, inter-state tensions, and the growing influence of middle-power Gulf states.

Biography

Abdul Mohammed served as Chief of Staff and Senior Political Advisor of the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel for Sudan and South Sudan, chaired by Thabo Mbeki, former President of South Africa. He formerly served as the Acting Director of the A.U.-U.N. Hybrid Operation in Darfur's Political Department, Chairperson of the Darfur-Darfur Dialogue and Consultation, and UNICEF's Representative to the African Union. Abdul Mohammed is the founder and Executive Director of the Inter Africa Group, a center for dialogue on humanitarian, peace, and development issues in the Horn of Africa.

Nuur Mohamud Sheekh is a diplomat with extensive experience in mediation, refugee protection, and humanitarian affairs in the Horn of Africa. Until recently, he served as the Spokesperson for the Executive Secretary at the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). He was previously Head of Liaison & Partnerships at the IGAD Special Mission to Somalia (also covering Red Sea & Gulf of Aden). He also served as a Senior Political Affairs Officer at the Office of the IGAD Special Envoys for South Sudan (OSSES), a Senior Liaison Officer at the Office of the Special Envoy for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and a Humanitarian Affairs Officer and Team Leader for the South Sudan and Sudan Desk at the United Nations.