IGAD Urges Enhanced Intelligence Sharing to Address Security Threats in East Africa
The Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has emphasized the need for enhanced intelligence sharing among East African nations to combat persistent threats such as terrorism, human trafficking, cybercrime, and the illegal arms trade. Despite progress, these challenges continue to pose significant risks to over 300 million people in the region.
IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu highlighted the growing prevalence of organized crime, which has surged by 30% in recent years. Speaking at a regional forum in Mombasa, Gebeyehu noted that cybercrime alone accounts for a staggering $9.5 trillion annually worldwide, underscoring the severity of transnational security threats. “This is a stark reminder of what is at stake and highlights the scale of the challenges we must confront,” he stated.
The forum focused on operationalizing IGAD’s Regional Cooperation and Coordination Mechanism (RCCM) against Transnational Security Threats (TSTs). Covering eight member states, IGAD’s efforts aim to harmonize legal frameworks, enhance intelligence sharing, and bolster regional security capacities. “These are threats that have disrupted lives, weakened economies, and tested the resilience of our nations,” Gebeyehu emphasized.
Significant milestones include IGAD’s conventions on Mutual Legal Assistance and Extradition, which provide a legal foundation for cross-border coordination. Additionally, the IGAD Criminal Information System is set to improve intelligence collection and response efficiency. Since 2014, over 2,000 security professionals have benefited from capacity-building workshops.
However, challenges persist. “Key conventions remain to be ratified, and resource limitations continue to slow our progress,” Gebeyehu acknowledged. Nonetheless, IGAD’s partnerships, such as with the European Union, which has contributed over €10 million through the Africa Peace and Security Architecture, highlight the potential of collective efforts. Gebeyehu called on member states to strengthen their resolve and deepen collaboration to ensure regional security.
