Speaking in Mombasa when he officially opened the Mashariki Cooperation Conference, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua called for integrating artificial intelligence and other forms of technology to enhance security in Eastern Africa. https://shorturl.at/eB268
Category
🗞
NewsTranscript
00:00 An Anka State in the region, Kenya is happy to host the Mashariki Cooperation Conference,
00:07 a convening of highly skilled detectives and security chiefs.
00:13 While your mandate is mainly working at the national level,
00:18 the changing landscape of security demands that we seek and enhance partnership networks beyond our borders.
00:28 Indeed, security is a national, transnational and international issue,
00:34 which must be tackled with corresponding interventions.
00:38 Distinguished Delegates and Security Chiefs,
00:42 This meeting takes place when some of our sister states in East Africa face security challenges,
00:49 unarmed internal conflicts and terrorism.
00:54 This is besides transnational organized crimes, including trafficking in humans,
01:00 especially children, drugs, counterfeit goods, corruption, money laundering, wildlife trophies, among others.
01:11 Armed conflicts are, among other issues, fuelled by illegal trade in weapons across our borders.
01:20 Terrorism and religious extremism are taking root as radicalization cells also grow.
01:28 As technology advances, crimes and other forms of insecurity have gone high-tech, therefore more complicated.
01:37 These and other security challenges threaten national development agendas
01:44 for socioeconomic transformation towards the Africa we want, as outlined by Agenda 2063 of the African Union.
01:52 Security concerns are a threat to Africa rising,
01:57 besides achievement of sustainable development goals as envisaged under Agenda 2030.
02:05 Africa is without doubt the continent of the 21st century.
02:13 But insecurity, if not strategically and decisively tackled, may derail the vision of transforming the lives of our people.
02:21 I cannot emphasize more on why security is key to a better, brighter and successful region, an Africa as a continent.
02:31 That is why this meeting, which happens about four years since Africa missed the target of silencing the guns by the year 2020,
02:42 is one of the strategies of sparring development is timely.
02:46 Distinguished Security Chiefs and Delegates,
02:51 national and international legal frameworks place the responsibility of guaranteeing security to citizens on the state.
02:59 But such frameworks, especially in Africa, may not clearly outline collaboration and cooperation at interstate and regional levels.
03:11 National Intelligence Service officers are an essential component in collection of evidence-based information for action by other state agencies.
03:21 In an environment where networks of criminals have gone regional and global, National Intelligence Services cannot be left behind.
03:30 You have to be ahead of the game.
03:34 That is why this conference, on harnessing opportunities to address the common threats for a peaceful and prosperous region,
03:42 offers a moment for networking and building joint strategies.
03:46 As a region, we have all borne the brunt of insecurity when our neighbors are troubled.
03:53 Trouble anywhere in our region is trouble for everyone.
03:57 That is why we must work together to address security threats.
04:03 Distinguished Delegates, in particular, at this convening we have an opportunity to review gaps and threats in security matters
04:12 from traditional spaces in digital platforms which have made crimes more complex.
04:18 Digital spaces have become playgrounds for recruitment and radicalization, money laundering and trap points for homicides and other cyber crimes,
04:30 as recently witnessed in Kenya.
04:33 Esteemed Delegates, this calls for strengthening of the capacity of officers in digital skills.
04:41 This is in addition to recruiting experts in specialized and emerging areas in technology to be ahead of the game.
04:50 While more resources are required in integration of artificial intelligence into security operations,
04:58 we have no option but to invest for better outcomes.
05:02 With advancing technology, we must be armed with highly innovative infrastructure for tracing, tracking and monitoring potential threats for early elimination and prevention.
05:15 Security Chiefs here are advisors of key state decision makers.
05:22 Their work must inform legal and policy actions for sustainable security solutions.
05:28 We are ready to receive guidance on best and most productive strategies of integrating technology for enhanced security.
05:36 Beyond this conference, we expect that you will identify strong areas of each state represented
05:45 for cross-pollination of good practices through formal and informal training and exchange program for officers.
05:52 With a network of 15 Member States, this gathering should define a framework for sharing knowledge and information
06:01 between and among our intelligence bureaus for strategic interventions and mutual benefit.
06:07 This is besides joint operations on issues of regional interest.
06:14 Transnational challenges call for transnational solutions.
06:18 Such solutions are in stronger strategic collaboration and cooperation.
06:23 Distinguished Security Chiefs and Delegates, National Intelligence Service works for public good.
06:31 While your work is mostly undercover, it is important to note that cultivating public trust is central to success.
06:40 This therefore calls for a human rights-based approach to investigations.
06:45 This will instill and sustain public confidence in the National Intelligence Services as a public interest-driven state organ.
06:54 On this note, I now take this opportunity to declare the Mashariki Cooperation Conference officially open
07:06 and look forward to the outcome for further action as under this un.
07:10 [Applause]
07:12 [Silence]