Story by Geoffrey Onyango in Mombasa
Inter-governmental Authority on Development -IGAD- has noted that technological crimes are a major challenge to regional security. Speaking in Mombasa during a two-day conference on an inter-ministerial forum on regional cooperation against transnational security threats, the executive secretary Workneh Gebeyehu said despite the increased threats the Agency is working along with security agencies drawn from member states to eliminate the vice.
“Over the past three years IGAD despite its geo-strategic significance, has been subjected to numerous challenges that came from all quarters to our regional stability, peace and security”, Said Gebeyehu. The secretary-general also said apart from challenges like human trafficking, drug trafficking and money laundering cases the region has also seen cybercrime incidents rising significantly in the recent past. According to the data by the Agency, a record 1.6 to 2.2 trillion dollars of illicit goods and services has posed threat to regional security.
The regional conference brought together member states in security in adopting resolutions and strategies, and information in technology that is meant to deal a double blow to beneficiaries of both the drivers and profiteers of instability.
“Let there be no doubt that we are in a ‘technology race’ against transnational crime networks and it is a race we must win”, he added. However, Gebeyehu affirmed that the regional inter-governmental transnational threats consequently demand shared solutions.
IGAD framework of 2021-2025, promotes a comprehensive approach to tackling transnational security threats in close alignment with African Union Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), as well as UN security resolutions and article 32 of the United Nations Convention against transnational organized crimes.
“We are working with member state through the various security, justice, law and order agencies and platforms, to gain a better understanding of the transnational security threats”, he concluded.
