Nairobi, Kenya, 29 October 2026 — The Office of the Special Envoy-Horn of Africa (OSE-HoA) organised a retreat for Special Envoys covering the Horn of Africa, bringing together special envoys, ambassadors, representatives of regional organisations and international partners to discuss peace and security developments and explore opportunities for stronger regional cooperation. The retreat provided a platform to exchange perspectives on emerging challenges and opportunities and strengthen dialogue among regional and international actors engaged in conflict prevention and peacebuilding.
Participants emphasised the need to view the Horn of Africa as an interconnected system, with instability driven by governance challenges, competition over strategic resources and growing external influence. Discussions covered recent developments in South Sudan, Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia/Eritrea and the Red Sea, highlighting concerns about political instability, conflict, humanitarian crises and regional tensions.
The retreat concluded with a shared recognition that lasting peace and stability in the Horn of Africa will depend on coordinated regional action, greater trust among states and sustained international support that complements, rather than replaces, regional leadership.
