East African Community (EAC) Deputy Secretary General in charge of Political Federation, Beatrice Kiraso, has reiterated the need for concerted efforts in ridding the region of security threats.Kiraso made the call, yesterday, during a two-day meeting in Entebbe, Uganda aimed at developing and adopting a roadmap for the operationalisation of the early warning mechanism. The objective of the early warning mechanism is to facilitate the anticipation, preparedness and early responses to prevent, contain and manage situations that are likely to affect peace and security in the region. “When we come together, we become strong and this gives us great chances of defeating the enemy and overcoming whatever obstacles on our way to integration,” she said in a speech read for her by Leonard Onyonyi, an EAC Peace and Security expert.Kiraso warned that the region is vulnerable to new and emerging security challenges such as climate change and its negative impact on food security and stability in the region.Observers have warned that the consolidation of the Customs Union and the implementation of the Common Market Protocol can only succeed if the region is thriving in a stable and peaceful environment.Over twenty high ranking military intelligence and senior police officers from all the five EAC partner states are attending the meeting.The EAC Treaty recognises peace and security as pre-requisites for the success of the EAC region’s integration and stability.
