Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has advocated for using technology to improve regional security.
Chiefs of the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and security services from more than ten states in Eastern Africa convened at the Mashariki Cooperation Conference in Mombasa on Sunday. Gachagua stated that technology is essential to combating new threats, particularly those from the digital sphere.
"Security demands that we seek an enhanced partnership network beyond our borders. Armed conflicts are among other issues fuelled by the illicit trade of weapons within our borders. Terrorism and religious extremism take root as radicalisation cells also grow," he said.
Enhanced security of our Nations is paramount for regional development.
To achieve this, States must seek joint stronger sustainable strategies of tracing, tracking, and tackling security threats.
The Mashariki Cooperation Conference, which I officially opened in Mombasa this… pic.twitter.com/0GJ5kPBU8w— H.E. Rigathi Gachagua, EGH (@rigathi) January 28, 2024Did you read this?
He requested that the officials devise a system for intelligence bureaus to exchange information and knowledge.
"As technology advances, crimes and other forms of insecurity have gone higher and more complicated. These and other security challenges threaten national development agendas for socio-economic transformation towards the Africa we want," said Gachagua.
"The interconnected nature of our security and stability cannot be overstated," stated NIS Director-General Noordin Haji. Since our collective security is only as strong as the weakest link in our regional chain, the security of one nation is closely linked to the protection of another. As a result, the challenges we face require collective responses, which are only effective when we stand together.
