CISSA Regional Workshop Convenes in Algiers Under SADR Presidency

Algiers is currently hosting the regional workshop of the Committee of African Intelligence and Security Services (CISSA) for North Africa, taking place from October 12 to 15. The expert-level gathering is being held under the presidency of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), which holds the current presidency of the CISSA Regional Bureau for North Africa through its national security directorate. This significant meeting underscores Algeria's commitment to fostering regional security cooperation and addressing common challenges.

The workshop is dedicated to examining the widespread repercussions of drug proliferation and consumption throughout the North African region. Discussions encompass the security, social, economic, and health impacts of this phenomenon, reflecting a comprehensive approach to regional stability. Participating nations include Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Mauritania, the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, and Tunisia, alongside representatives from other CISSA member countries such as Botswana, Zimbabwe, Sudan, South Africa, and Namibia. The CISSA Executive Secretariat is also in attendance.

Further enhancing the scope of collaboration, specialized African mechanisms are actively participating, including the African Union Counter-Terrorism Centre (AUCTC), the Fusion and Liaison Unit (UFL), and the African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation (AFRIPOL). The deliberations during this regional encounter aim to strengthen cooperation, facilitate the exchange of intelligence, and share expertise among member states' services. This expert meeting serves as a preparatory session for a subsequent gathering of general directors of the aforementioned services, scheduled for October 14 in Algiers, further solidifying regional efforts to confront shared challenges.