Somalia hosts East African intelligence chiefs for regional security talks

Thursday April 30, 2026

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia on Wednesday brought together intelligence chiefs from East African Community member states for a two-day conference in Mogadishu aimed at deepening cooperation and confronting shared security threats across the region.

The April 29–30 gathering was opened by Somali National Army Commander Ibrahim Mohamed Mahmoud, who underscored the need for tightly coordinated intelligence work in the face of shifting and interconnected challenges.

Participants are reviewing the regional security landscape, including threats posed by militant groups and cross-border instability, while exploring mechanisms to enhance intelligence sharing among member states.

In his remarks at the opening session, Mahmoud pointed to Somalia’s security gains in recent years and set out ongoing reforms inside the Somali National Army designed to boost its effectiveness and strengthen its institutions.

He said closer cooperation between intelligence services is essential for preserving stability in East Africa, where threats routinely spill across national frontiers.

The meeting has drawn senior security officials from across the region and is expected to yield recommendations aimed at improving coordination and shaping joint responses to emerging risks.

Somalia has been increasingly presenting itself as a regional security partner as it works to lock in gains against militant groups and reinforce its own security institutions.