Ethiopia's Spy Chief Conducts East Africa Tour Amid Regional Unrest

NAIROBI, Kenya - Ethiopia's National Intelligence Security chief Redwein Hussien completed his trip to East Africa over the weekend, which culminated in the high profile meetings with President William Ruto (Kenya) and Uganda's Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

This was the first high-level stakeholders intelligence meeting, amid turmoil in the Horn of Africa, where Ethiopia is actively involved. There is also the resurgence of Al-Shabaab in Somalia and the restlessness in Sudan.

"I am honoured to convey Prime Minister Abiy’s message to and confer with Presidents H.E. Yoweri Museveni and H.E. William Ruto. Appreciated their constructive role in building understanding and cooperation in the HOA rather than driving a wedge between."

Kenya's President William Ruto pledged to partner with the East and the Horn of Africa nations on matters of peace and stability, noting that such collaboration is needed to deal with ever-complex security issues in the region.

"Security challenges such as terrorism and organized crime require collaborative efforts among countries in the Horn of Africa. Kenya undertakes to work with partners and countries in the globe to bring stability," he said.

"Discussed regional security with Ethiopia’s Director General of the National Intelligence Security Service Ambassador Redwan Hussien, State House Kenya, Nairobi," he added.

Interestingly, Hussien's trip to Kenya coincided with local politics where his counterpart Noordin Haji is accused of collaborating with state security agencies to enforce abductions of government critics, a claim to which he is yet to respond.

Justin Muturi, Kenya's minister for Public Service and former Attorney General, claimed his son had been abducted six months ago with the knowledge of Haji. In July 2024, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also accused Haji of 'interference with government operations'.

However, supporters of Haji accuse critics of politicizing security, arguing that they are endangering the country's safety through persistent attacks targeting President William Ruto. Haji, a former Director of Public Prosecutions, is a close confidant of Dr. Ruto.

GAROWE ONLINE