In a compelling address ahead of the East African Intelligence and Security Institutions Regional Meeting, General Tazer Gebre Egzhar, Deputy Director General of the National Intelligence and Security Service of Ethiopia, underscored the urgent need for enhanced cooperation to address the multifaceted challenges facing the East African region.
The workshop, which gathers experts from various sectors, aims to lay the groundwork for collaborative strategies to bolster security and stability.
Director General Tazer's remarks set a serious tone for the discussions, highlighting that East Africa is currently grappling with significant social, economic, and political hurdles.
“We must develop practical strategies to prevent these challenges from escalating,” he stated.
The Deputy Director General emphasised that fostering cooperation among nations is not just beneficial but essential for preemptively addressing potential crises and ensuring lasting peace.
The urgency of this call for collaboration was echoed by Jackson Hamata, Secretary-General of the African Intelligence and Security Services Committee.
Citing the ongoing turmoil in Sudan, Hamate pointed out that the situation there is emblematic of broader regional issues.
“The challenges we face are not confined to one nation; they have the potential to spiral into a regional crisis,” he warned.
Hamata also raised concerns about the increasing collaboration among terrorists and armed groups in the region.
He stressed that without a unified approach, these groups could further destabilise already vulnerable areas. “Strengthening cooperation is crucial to reversing these threats,” he asserted.
As the regional meeting officially kicks off tomorrow, participants are expected to engage in robust discussions aimed at crafting actionable solutions.
The focus will be on developing frameworks that not only address immediate security concerns but also foster long-term stability across East Africa.
The sentiment among experts is clear: ensuring peace and security in East Africa requires a collective effort. With shared responsibility at its core, the hope is that this gathering will catalyse meaningful partnerships that can effectively tackle the pressing challenges facing the region today, it was noted.