Regional security experts push for more cooperation

Security experts from partner states of the East African Community (EAC) have called for increased co-operation and intelligence information sharing to match the increasing need for faster regional integration. The officials made the remarks recently at a three-day meeting in Mombasa, Kenya, to consider details and a roadmap for harmonization of policing procedures in the region. David Nahimana, a Commissioner of Human Rights in Burundi, underscored the importance of Police Standard Operating Procedures in the partner states especially that the integration process had now moved to the Common Market. “Harmonization of EAC Police procedures is crucial in the deepening regional integration and for sustainable peace and security in the region,’’ Nahimana said He added that cooperation would strengthen the harmonization of policies, legislation and practices and in turn lead to peace in the region. During the meeting, the experts dwelt on information sharing and standards on such issues as mutual legal assistance, extradition, fugitives, criminal intelligence analysis, search procedures, detention, cyber-crime, fire safety, fire arms and peace support operations, among others. Leonard Onyonyi, the EAC Peace and Security Expert, pointed out that the Police, given their multiplicity of roles, are one of the key stakeholders in the regional integration. “Good Policing practices are absolutely necessary for our successful regional co-operation and integration,’’ Onyonyi stressed. The meeting followed a directive by the fourth Sectoral Council on Inter-State Security held in August in Arusha, Tanzania, to address impediments to harmonization of police procedures and directed that Partner States develop Standard Operating Procedures as a step to move forward the process. Ends