Regional intelligence chiefs meet in Kampala

HEADS of intelligence and security services from the East African Community (EAC) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) member states met in Kampala, yesterday, to review their efforts towards fighting terrorism in the region. The review meeting is a result of one of the resolutions agreed upon during the Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), at its June 30 meeting. Col Francis Mutiganda, the director-general of external intelligence and security, is leading Rwanda’s delegation at the meeting. While opening the meeting, Uganda’s Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda urged regional security organs to focus on developing mechanisms for joint operations and information sharing. Rugunda said increased cooperation among security organs will promote peace in the region, which he said is a sure path for development to flourish. “Member states at IGAD level are becoming increasingly open and cognisant of the need to work together, especially on information sharing,” Tigist Hailu, a representative of the executive secretary of IGAD, Amb. Mahboub Maalim, said. The two-day meeting is discussing ways and means of enhancing security cooperation in the fight against terrorist organisations such as the al-Shabaab. The Security Council meeting also reviewed the deployment of UN peacekeepers in the region and assessed the operations of the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). Uganda and Burundi contribute troops to AMISOM in Somalia, with the former contributing the largest share of about 6,500 peacekeepers controlling sector one that covers Benadir and Lower Shebelle regions.

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Regional intelligence chiefs meet in Kampala