In a whirlwind of diplomatic activity, Uganda is playing host to a trio of high-profile international summits within a matter of days, drawing in over 100 heads of state and showcasing the country’s central role in regional and global affairs.
Wednesday saw a flurry of arrivals, with South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit touching down first, followed by Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh. Both leaders are set to participate in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and G77+China summits, while President Guelleh also initiated an Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) meeting hosted by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on Thursday.
The IGAD summit agenda promises to be packed. Tensions simmering between Ethiopia and Somalia over the recent Somaliland-Ethiopia Memorandum of Understanding, which recognises Somaliland as a state with the intention of building an airport there, will be a key point of discussion.
Additionally, the situation in Sudan will be addressed, with Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo making a discreet arrival, hinting at potential Sudanese participation in the G77 summit despite uncertainties.
Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud capped off Wednesday’s arrivals, adding his voice to the NAM, G77, and IGAD discussions. With more heads of state expected throughout the night and on Thursday, Uganda finds itself at the heart of a vibrant tapestry of international dialogue.
The sheer volume of summits presents not only diplomatic challenges but also economic opportunities. Hosting such esteemed guests boosts Uganda’s profile and attracts potential investors, while showcasing the country’s infrastructure and hospitality sector.
As the summit marathon unfolds, the world’s eyes are firmly on Uganda, eager to witness how the nation navigates this unique diplomatic confluence.
SOURCE:NILEPOST
