EAC military intelligence bosses converge in Nairobi over emerging security threats

Military intelligence chiefs from the East African Community (EAC) has pledged to strengthen capacity-building initiatives across the member states in order to effectively deal with emerging security threats.

The chiefs who are converging in Nairobi for the annual meeting to deliberate on regional security and intelligence matters committed to improving intelligence-sharing mechanisms.

During the conference, delegates from member countries presented briefs on their respective national security situations.

Some of the common challenges identified included terrorism and violent extremism, armed insurgencies, cross-border crime, illicit trafficking, and ethnic and political violence.

These issues, the participants noted, require coordinated military intelligence and policy responses.

“Synchronization of efforts and responses to emerging threats was also emphasised as key to enhancing regional stability,” they said.

The event also provided a platform for EAC member states to review the current security landscape in the region and assess the implementation of previously approved security agendas.

The conference was officially opened by the Vice Chief of the Defence Forces (VCDF), Lieutenant General John Omenda.

In his opening remarks, Lt. Gen. Omenda welcomed the delegates to Kenya and encouraged open and active participation.

He underscored the importance of the forum, calling it vital to reinforcing collective commitment to regional security and stability.

“We are dealing with common threats across the region and within the EAC. These threats, whether traditional or non-traditional, require a unified approach, and this forum is crucial for finding common ground in addressing them,” he said.

Director of Military Intelligence (DMI) Kenya and chairperson of the conference Major General Mohammed Burje, echoed Lt. Gen. Omenda’s sentiments.

He emphasised the significance of intelligence-sharing and the benefits of regional cooperation in securing the EAC.

The EAC is a regional intergovernmental organisation comprising Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Somalia.

It aims to foster economic integration, political cooperation, and security coordination among its members.

The conference will conclude with the signing of key agreements and policy documents by the intelligence chiefs as they work towards a safer and more secure EAC region.