AU holds security intelligence workshop in Juba

The African Union (AU) on Monday organized a three-day workshop on intelligence and security services in East African countries in Juba. 

The meeting is meant to discuss the negative impacts of sanctions on social, economic, political, peace and security in the East African region. 

Intelligence chiefs from the region are attending the meeting under the auspices of the Committee of Intelligence and Security Services of Africa (CISSA).

Speaking during the opening of the meeting on Monday, South Sudan’s Minister of National Security, Gen. Isaac Obuto Mamur, said the meeting is a cornerstone for the region.

“To my brothers who have come from CISSA, this is a very important meeting. I hope it will open our eyes unless we want to remain as we were before. This meeting should be a cornerstone in our life in Africa because in this situation of war we are in, sanctions are only in Africa, not anywhere. And it all emanates from all of us, not from anybody. We have been misused throughout our ages against our interests,” Gen. Mamur said. 

He urged all the East African countries to unite and fight against the negative sanctions imposed on the region.

“The sanctions are coming from us because we are fragmented, we are not united. That is one of the core issues. If you allow your brother to be sanctioned, you will be sanctioned tomorrow. Another one will be sanctioned, then where is Africa going? What will we leave for the future generations?” Gen. Mamur asked.

Speaking on behalf of CISSA, Simon Yien Makuach, South Sudan’s Director-General of the General intelligence Bureau (GIB), who is also the current chairperson of the regional security body, said the forum will help in raising awareness of negative sanctions imposed on countries in East Africa and the entire continent.

“It is my pleasure and privilege on behalf of the General Intelligence Bureau and the Chair of the CISSA in the East Africa region to welcome you all to Juba, South Sudan. Sanctions are likely growing as a foreign policy tool and political instrument of the western powers to advance their strategic interests,” Yien said. “In this regard, we wish to therefore raise awareness on the negative use of sanctions on other countries and its impact on social, economic, political, peace and stability in the region.”

The security meeting was organized under the theme: “Negative impacts of sanction regimes to the social, economic, political and peace and security in the region”.