The importance of security cooperation between countries has become increasingly evident. This means in the same way as economic and social cooperation, security has become a priority agenda that calls for coordinated collaboration between countries, regions and global organizations.
Indeed the rise of global challenges, such as terrorism, cyber threats, and environmental disasters, necessitates a collaborative approach to ensure the safety and well-being of nations and their citizens. It is also high time for countries to work hand in hand to prevent the looming threats organized crimes, terrorism, money laundering, human trafficking and drug trafficking, among others.
Security cooperation refers to the collaborative efforts among nations to enhance mutual trust and strengthen their ability to address threats. In an era where information travels at lightning speed and threats can emerge from any corner of the globe, no country can effectively combat these issues alone. For example, the fight against terrorism has shown that international collaboration is crucial. In addition to addressing terrorism and health crises, security cooperation can also mitigate the effects of climate change, which is increasingly seen as a national security threat. By sharing technology, funding, and best practices, nations can work towards sustainable solutions that benefit all.
Criminals may emanate in one country. But as they continue unabated they expand their destination to other regions due to many reasons. One vital reason could be their dire need to hide from a jurisdiction where they are being sued for a criminal act. The best way to trap and abate cross border criminals and terrorists is security collaboration between countries.
Especially the Horn of Africa region is well known for its turbulent situation. It is difficult to ensure development without security. For instance, terrorism and cross border crimes have the ability to drag development gains. Furthermore, they discourage new investment ventures due to fear of being victims of attacks and violence.
As countries struggle to progress in economic development, they are likely to fall in problems of violence, gangs, organized crimes, terrorism due to some failures like corruption, ethical and political disagreement or lack of good governance. Such challenges are likely to flourish unless due care is done to nip them in the bud.
The recent cooperation forum is a decisive leap forward in ensuring overall progress of the society. The forum participants indicated that the cooperation is a necessary step forward to ensure lasting peace and development at the global level. According to Chairman of the Forum Andy Tsang Wai-hung, implementing innovative ideas is a necessary dimension thereby upholding public well-being and fostering collaboration for economic development.
Participants of the forum on their part said that the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum offers a significant opportunity to work collaboratively in preventing terrorism.
It is important to note that criminals, terrorists and other anti-peace elements always take advantage of technological, financial and other inputs that can keep their adverse activities illicit, concealed or safe from the reach of security forces. Hence, the security institutions of the collaborating nations should also go a step ahead and work strenuously to share technological advancement, innovative means of security protection and crime prevention so that they can always have the upper hand.
Due to the geopolitical incidents and the socioeconomic situation at home, Ethiopia has also passed through a lot of challenging course of preventing organized crimes, cross border crimes, terrorism and insurgency, among others.
While it still has to learn a lot from the experiences of other countries, it can contribute its big share in the global efforts of ensuring public security.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 8 MAY 2025
