We can say that Africa is known to the world with its double face. Sometimes it is considered as a dark continent troubled by war, conflict, crime, injustice and poverty. On the other hand, it is portrayed as a continent of wealth, abundance and a bright future that can tide over the entire world.
Africa is indeed known for both features that sometimes appear concurrently, while occasionally the two alternate. As a land of opportunities that attracts everyone, it would not be so amazing to see it under a series of conflicts, coup d’état …etc. In addition to the domestic problems of corruption and maladministration, the meddling of foreigners to exploit the continent’s resources also plays a considerable role in the problems besetting the continent.
Since at least the post-colonial period, several attempts have been made to durably address the continent’s chronic problem of conflict, insecurity, etc. Regardless of the outcomes of these attempts, it is mandatory to empower the continent to regulate and ensure its own peace, justice, and public safety.
In this regard, the initiative propounded by the peace and security officials of the continent that gathered in Addis recently is fundamental as it signifies the need for the continent to be a master of its own peace and security. During the East Africa Regional Meeting of the Committee of Intelligence and Security Services of Africa (CISSA), FDRE Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh said peace is not something that can be outsourced.
The establishment of CISSA in 2004 was an important step towards scaling up the active role of the member countries in leading the security of their countries via sharing integral knowledge and information on shared threats.
Temesgen further said self-ownership of the security matters of the continent is a mandatory and more reliable solution.
“Our challenges are ours to solve, and our solutions must be shaped by those who understand the terrain, not from afar but from within”
For a continent that has to reinforce its struggle for socio-economic development, ensuring peace and security are foundational element. When nations and communities are stable, they can focus on growth and progress. Conversely, when conflicts arise, development efforts suffer, and the potential for a prosperous future diminishes.
Moreover, peace and security facilitate cooperation between nations. The cooperation between countries can span from ensuring cross-border security to putting in place trade and investment frameworks like the mega continental initiative, the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (Afcfta). Such political and economic cooperation also needs the strong partnership of security, as they entail free movement of people and goods with the likelihood of security implications.
Terrorist groups, for instance, operate across borders, making it essential for countries to share information and strategies to counteract their activities. By sharing intelligence on online recruitment techniques, countries can collectively disrupt these networks and prevent attacks.
Another critical aspect of security cooperation is combating cyber threats. In recent years, the frequency and sophistication of cyber-attacks have surged, affecting governments, businesses, and individuals alike.
African countries should not take more time to modernise their security system, facilities and personnel to catch up with the modern technological advancement, which is highly in use by those who leave no stone unturned to spoil their peace and security. More than anything, they have to reinforce their collaboration in peace and intelligence so that the continent can be a pillar of its own peace and development.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 15 MAY 2025
