The 13th Joint Meeting of the Sectoral Councils of Ministers responsible for Cooperation in Defence, Peace and Security and the Sectoral Council on Foreign Policy Coordination of the East African Community (EAC) has concluded in Nairobi, Kenya, setting priorities aimed at strengthening regional peace, security and border protection.
Speaking after the meeting, Tanzania’s Minister for Home Affairs, Patrobas Katambi, said the ministers discussed key strategies intended to safeguard the existing peace, enhance security cooperation and strengthen border management among member states.
According to him, the meeting discussed 12 agenda items, including the promotion of women’s participation in peace and security matters across the region.
He said the EAC has agreed on a strategic framework to ensure women are more actively involved in security institutions and decision-making processes.
Tanzania, under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has already taken steps in that direction by appointing women to senior leadership positions in security institutions.
Examples include the leadership of the Immigration Department by Commissioner General Anna Makakala and the appointment of Tatu Jumbe as Commissioner for Administration and Human Resources in the Tanzania Police Force.
Another key agenda discussed was the involvement of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), civil society organisations and religious institutions in strengthening security efforts, reflecting the EAC’s commitment to inclusive approaches in maintaining peace and stability.
Katambi noted that Tanzania has already embraced this participatory approach under the Sixth Phase Government, with civil society organisations playing an increasing role in supporting crime prevention and community security initiatives.
The ministers also discussed the importance of security research, urging member states to invest in studies that help anticipate threats and strengthen regional peace.
The meeting further highlighted the need to operationalise the EAC Early Warning System, a regional mechanism designed to detect potential security threats and conflicts at an early stage to enable timely intervention.
Katambi emphasised that sustainable economic development in the region depends heavily on peace and security, an approach also reflected in Tanzania’s long-term development agenda.
The meeting brought together ministers and senior officials from EAC member states to review progress and agree on new strategies aimed at strengthening cooperation in defence, security and foreign policy coordination across the region.
