KIGALI — The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) has called on countries across the Greater Horn of Africa to translate climate forecasts into immediate early action ahead of the upcoming October–December rainfall season.
Speaking during the 74th Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum (GHACOF 74) in Kigali, Rwanda ICPAC Director Dr. Abdi Fidar emphasized that regional governments now possess both the forecast data and the vital lead time needed to prepare for potential climate risks.
“Early warning must lead to early action,” Dr. Fidar stated, emphasizing that timely intervention is critical to mitigating severe climate impacts.
He urged national governments, disaster management agencies, humanitarian organizations, local authorities, communities, and the media to unite in ensuring climate alerts reach vulnerable populations quickly, allowing them to make informed decisions.
Dr. Fidar warned that anticipated El Niño conditions pose a threat across national borders due to the interconnected nature of the region. Because the Greater Horn of Africa shares vital water resources, ecosystems, trade markets, transport corridors, and livelihoods, a climate disaster in one nation can quickly trigger cross-border consequences for neighboring countries.
Highlighting the need for a unified front, Dr. Fidar called for enhanced regional cooperation, seamless information sharing, and joint preparedness strategies, noting that no single country or institution can tackle these complex climate risks in isolation.
He reaffirmed that ICPAC will continue collaborating with national meteorological services and regional partners to refine climate forecasting, bolster early warning systems, and drive anticipatory action.
“We have the forecast. We have the time to prepare. Now, we must act,” Dr. Fidar urged, calling on all nations to utilize available climate data to protect lives, safeguard livelihoods, and build long-term resilience across the Greater Horn of Africa.
