By: Shiferaw Lakew
Addis Ababa is hosting the East Africa Regional Meeting of the Committee of Intelligence and Security Services of Africa (CISSA).
Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh was the Guest of Honor of this regional event. Welcoming the participants to Addis Ababa, the political and diplomatic heart of Africa, he reiterated Ethiopia’s strong commitment to peace and security.
“As host to the African Union and home to many continental institutions, Ethiopia remains firm in one belief: that lasting peace can only be achieved through trust—earned, shared, and sustained,” he said.
He has also urged the implementation of the visions Africans have established for the continent through pragmatic means.
“The vision set forth in Agenda 2063 and the Silencing the Guns initiative is clear. A peaceful Africa. A stable East Africa. A region where opportunity flourishes because conflict does not. But vision alone is not enough. It must be met with courage, cooperation, and clarity of purpose.”
Some of the issues Africa faces are fueled from within, the Deputy Premier added. Cooperation constitutes a key part of the solution to these challenges according to the Deputy PM:
“The lesson is clear: we are strongest when we stand together.”
Another key area he emphasized was the need for modernization to address contemporary threats effectively:
“Modern threats require modern tools. Our security services must be well-trained, well-equipped, and rooted in the values of professionalism and accountability. That is how we earn the public’s trust—and each other’s.”
In a similar development, the chairperson of CISSA East Africa and Director-General of Ethiopia’s National Intelligence and Security Service, Ambassador Redwan Hussien emphasized the importance of strong collaboration as part of the solution to the persistent issues in the region.
Representing the AUC Chairperson Mohammed El-Amine Souef has dubbed the conference timely and essential. Security issues require the collaboration of all and the AU is committed to helping ensure the peace and security of member states, he added.
Robust regional collaboration, strong institutional reforms, and the pursuit of African solutions to African problems were among the key themes highlighted at the regional event, which is being held in Addis Ababa for the first time.