Addis Ababa: Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh has emphasized the need for East African nations to take full ownership of their security and strengthen regional cooperation. Speaking at the opening of the East Africa Regional Meeting of the Committee of Intelligence and Security Services of Africa (CISSA) in Addis Ababa, he stated that peace cannot be outsourced.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Temesgen stressed that platforms like CISSA are essential, not merely symbolic. He emphasized that intelligence and security services must communicate in real-time, coordinate actions, and build trust beyond protocol. The deputy premier also highlighted the importance of investing in national institutions, stating that modern threats require modern tools.
Temesgen further pointed out that security goes beyond the absence of war, emphasizing that it encompasses justice, dignity protection, and serves as a foundation for building jobs and educating future generations. National Intelligence and Security Service
(NISS) Director-General Redwan Hussien remarked on the multifaceted security landscape in East Africa over the past decade.
Redwan noted that regional threats do not recognize borders or respect state sovereignty, underscoring the importance of cooperation to effectively combat complex security challenges. He stressed the necessity of implementing effective intelligence-sharing mechanisms to preempt potential crises before they escalate.
The director-general highlighted the pivotal opportunity presented by the CISSA regional meeting to consolidate efforts among intelligence and security service leaders. He asserted that continuous institutional reform within these services is crucial for defending against emerging security threats and navigating the volatile geopolitical landscape of Eastern Africa.
African Union Chief of Staff Mohamed El-Amine Souef remarked on the timely and crucial nature of the meeting. He noted that the theme of enhancing regional security through intelligence cooperation is pertinent
as the region and continent face myriad security challenges. Souef affirmed the African Union’s commitment to supporting member states in building robust cooperative intelligence networks.