The 20th Conference of the Committee of Intelligence and Security Services of Africa (CISSA) concluded on Tuesday in Benghazi with the announcement of a Libyan-led initiative for joint intelligence cooperation.
In his closing speech, Hussein Al-Aib, Head of Libya’s Intelligence Service and current chair of the session, said discussions focused on terrorism, transnational organized crime, arms and drug trafficking, and human smuggling, noting that the deliberations were conducted “in a spirit of high responsibility and joint coordination.”
Al-Aib emphasized that the summit was a valuable opportunity to exchange views and strengthen cooperation between Libyan intelligence and its African counterparts. He also confirmed that Libya will host the upcoming “CISSA 21” conference, in recognition of its central role in supporting regional security.
As part of the closing declaration, Al-Aib announced the launch of a Libyan initiative for joint intelligence cooperation. The plan includes establishing a unified task force, enhancing information-sharing mechanisms to combat terrorism, and introducing training and capacity-building programs for African security agencies.
The initiative further outlines youth empowerment strategies to reduce recruitment by extremist organizations, while also stressing the need to build trust among member states’ security agencies.
Migration and Security Challenges
The two-day conference also addressed the impact of irregular migration and its related security and economic challenges, highlighting Africa’s collective efforts to strengthen stability and resilience.
Established in 2004 under the African Union, CISSA brings together the continent’s intelligence services to coordinate security efforts, share intelligence, and confront common threats, particularly terrorism and cross-border organized crime.
