✅ Closing Session: IGAD Strengthens Judicial Capacity Against Complex Security Threats.
📍 Bishoftu, Ethiopia | 17 May 2026
IGAD Security Sector Program has successfully concluded the three-day National Judicial Training on Financing of Terrorism, Money Laundering, and Technology-Enabled Crimes for senior Ethiopian judges.
The training strengthened judicial understanding of terrorism financing, money laundering, Foreign Terrorist Fighters, human trafficking, digital evidence, financial intelligence, intelligence-led investigations, asset recovery, and inter-agency cooperation.
Over the three days, participants engaged in expert presentations, case studies, scenario-based discussions, simulations, and practical sessions aimed at enhancing the adjudication of complex national and transnational security cases while safeguarding due process, human rights, and judicial independence.
The closing session featured the certification of participants, marking the successful completion of the training and recognition of their active engagement throughout the three days.
This training reaffirmed IGAD’s commitment to supporting Member States in building resilient justice and security institutions capable of responding to evolving threats across the Region.
This training was generously supported by the Government of #Spain.
@MAECgob@EmbSpainAddis
#AML #CFT #Ethiopia #Judiciary #ISSP
✅ Day 3: IGAD Strengthens Judicial Capacity Against Complex Security Threats.
📍 Bishoftu, Ethiopia | 17 May 2026
Day 3 of the IGAD Security Sector Program’s National Judicial Training on Financing of Terrorism, Money Laundering, and Technology-Enabled Crimes is underway.
Today’s sessions focus on the adjudication of complex multi-jurisdictional security cases, asset freezing, seizure and confiscation, as well as the development of practical recommendations and policy briefs to strengthen judicial response to evolving security threats.
The discussions will further enhance the capacity of senior Ethiopian judges to address cases involving terrorism financing, Foreign Terrorist Fighters, human trafficking, money laundering, technology-enabled crimes, and asset recovery within the Horn of Africa’s evolving security landscape.
This training is generously supported by the Government of #Spain.
@MAECgob@EmbSpainAddis
#AML #CFT #Ethiopia#Judiciary #ISSP
✅ Day 2 Highlights: IGAD Strengthens Judicial Capacity Against Complex Security Threats.
📍 Bishoftu, Ethiopia | 16 May 2026
Day 2 of the IGAD Security Sector Program’s National Judicial Training concluded with practical sessions on financial and digital evidence, judicial oversight, and inter-agency cooperation to address complex security threats.
Participants examined terrorist-funding tracing, suspicious activity reports, beneficial ownership, trade-based money-laundering indicators, bank records, digital evidence, encrypted communications, dark web material, #cryptocurrency transaction analysis, AI-generated content, and #deepfakes.
The sessions also explored judicial oversight of special investigative and surveillance techniques, including interception, undercover operations, controlled deliveries, safeguards against unlawfully obtained evidence, and the protection of constitutional rights during counter-terrorism efforts.
Day 2 further highlighted cooperation mechanisms on money laundering and terrorism financing, including information sharing, mutual legal assistance, asset recovery cooperation, and coordination among law enforcement, financial, regulatory, and judicial institutions.
This training is generously supported by the Government of #Spain.
@MAECgob@EmbSpainAddis
✅ Day 2 | IGAD Strengthens Judicial Capacity Against Complex Security Threats.
📍 Bishoftu, Ethiopia | 16 May 2026
Day 2 of the #IGAD Security Sector Program’s National Judicial Training on Financing of Terrorism, Money Laundering, and Technology-Enabled Crimes is underway.
Today’s sessions focus on financial evidence, digital evidence, technology-enabled crimes, judicial oversight of special investigative and surveillance techniques, and domestic and international cooperation mechanisms on money laundering and #terrorism financing.
The discussions will further strengthen the capacity of senior Ethiopian judges to adjudicate complex security cases involving terrorism financing, Foreign Terrorist Fighters, human trafficking, money laundering, and emerging technology-enabled threats in the Horn of Africa.
This training is generously supported by the Government of #Spain.
@MAECgob@EmbSpainAddis
#AML #CFT #Ethiopia#Judiciary #ISSP
Glad to open @IGADISSP’s nat’l Judicial trng for #Ethiopia highcourt judges on #CFT, #AML, & tech-enabled #crimes. I emphasized that a well-equipped, well-informed, & well-connected judiciary is a powerful tool to address the threats. Grateful to @EmbSpainAddis for the support.
✅ Day 1 Highlights: National Judicial Training for senior Ethiopian judges.
Day 1 of the #IGAD Security Sector Program’s (@IGADISSP ) National Judicial Training on Financing of Terrorism, Money Laundering, and Technology-Enabled Crimes, such as cryptocurrencies in the Horn of Africa Region, concluded with focused discussions on the evolving threat landscape and the critical role of the judiciary in addressing complex national and transnational security threats.
The sessions examined the nexus between terrorism financing, money laundering, and technology-enabled crimes, including how #terrorist and criminal networks exploit formal banking systems, informal remittances, charities, mobile money, cryptocurrencies, and digital platforms.
Participants also explored legal and institutional frameworks for #counterterrorism, intelligence-led investigations, financial intelligence, admissible evidence, and the role of judges in safeguarding due process, #humanrights, and judicial independence.
Through expert presentations, case studies, group discussions, and plenary reflections, Day 1 laid a strong foundation for the upcoming days.
This training is supported by the Government of Spain.
@MAECgob@EmbSpainAddis
#ISSP #SecuritySector
📆 15-17 May 2026
📍 Bishoftu, Ethiopia
#IGAD Strengthens Judicial Capacity Against Complex Security Threats
The three-day National Judicial Training for senior Ethiopian high court judges on Financing of #Terrorism, #MoneyLaundering, and Technology-Enabled #Crimes has officially kicked off.
The opening session featured remarks and Keynote speeches from:
·Mrs. Nejat Abdulrahman @NejatIssa- Head, IGAD Security Sector Program (@IGAD_SSP)
· Mr. Siraj Abdella – Director of IGAD Affairs of @MFA of Ethiopia
· H.E. Mrs Lalise Deselegne - President of the Ethiopian Federal High Court.
· H.E. Ambassador Guillermo Antonio López Mac_Lellan – Ambassador of Spain to the FDRE.
· Commander @AbebeMuluneh – Director, @IGADPeace
The training aims to strengthen judicial capacity to adjudicate complex cases of terrorism financing, money laundering, and cyber-enabled crimes. In addition, it covers the aspects of financial intelligence, digital evidence, asset recovery, and inter-agency cooperation, while safeguarding due process, human rights, and judicial independence.
Through expert presentations, case studies, simulations, and scenario-based discussions, the training will support judges in responding to evolving national and transnational security threats with greater technical confidence, consistency, and institutional coordination.
This training is generously supported by the Government of #Spain.
@MAECgob@EmbSpainAddis
#AML #CFT #Ethiopia #Judiciary
Honoured to join Heads of State, Government and regional leaders in Djibouti for the inauguration ceremony of H.E. Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, President-elect of the Republic of Djibouti.
I extend my congratulations to His Excellency and to the people of Djibouti on this important national occasion.
As host of the IGAD Secretariat, Djibouti remains central to our shared work for peace, stability and regional integration.
It was great to meet with senior experts of the US Africa Bureau @StateDept that created valuable opportunity to share @IGADISSP mission, achievements, and the impact of our ongoing efforts on #TSTs. Looking forward to exploring further on possible collaboration . #IGAD
Africa’s security is no longer shaped only at physical borders. It is also being tested in the digital space.
Honoured to speak at the 3rd Mashariki Cooperation Conference in Kenya, organised by the Government of Kenya, a vital platform for strengthening African security cooperation at a time of rapidly evolving threats.
I underscored that misinformation, propaganda, deepfakes, and digital manipulation now pose real security risks and demand stronger African cooperation, African led solutions, and sustained collective action to safeguard peace, stability, and security across our continent.
Paid a courtesy visit to the IGAD Chair of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Djibouti, H.E. Abdoulkader Houssein Omar, at his office in Djibouti.
We discussed the prevailing regional situation, as well as the organisation’s strategic priorities.
We agreed on key steps forward and on the need to strengthen coordination to advance peace, stability, and resilience across the region.
Received H.E. Denisa-Elena Ionete, European Union Ambassador to Djibouti and IGAD, for a constructive exchange on matters of mutual interest.
We underscored the growing urgency of the evolving regional and global dynamics and the need for coordinated, forward looking responses.
IGAD values its partnership with the European Union and remains committed to advancing sustainable solutions for the region.
Growing up and through my career, I’ve witnessed the resilience and determination of women who held families, governments, and communities together, often in the face of great challenges. Their strength continues to inspire us all to advancing women’s leadership across the region.
Through initiatives such as the IGAD Women Forums on Peace, Agriculture, Digital Security and Artificial Intelligence, and Land Governance, alongside the IGAD Gender Strategy, we continue to expand opportunities and elevate women’s voices across the IGAD region.
On this International Women’s Day, we reaffirm our commitment to a future where women lead and thrive.
Promising start of 2026 @IGADISSP 👉🏽Advanced discussions on #Transnational#Security#Threats, progressed strategic planning for regional cooperation, and deepened partnerships to prevent and counter the threats in the #IGAD region and beyond. Building greater resilience through collective efforts.💪🏽
#ForwardTogether. #PeaceSecurity #IGAD #TSTs
As the blessed month of Ramadan begins, I extend my warmest wishes to Muslim communities across our region and around the world.
Ramadan is a time of reflection, compassion, and renewal. Its values of solidarity, patience, and generosity resonate deeply with IGAD’s commitment to peace, resilience, and shared prosperity.
May this holy month inspire unity, strengthen dialogue, and bring hope and comfort to all.
Ramadan Kareem.
Had a good discussion with @aestivill, Ambassador of @EmbaMexEti on potential areas of cooperation on issues of #Transnational#Security#Threats (TSTs) affecting the #IGAD region and beyond. It was a continuation of our initial conversation on matters of mutual concern with good prospects for collaboration. #SouthSouthCooperation #Trafficking #Smuggling #CyberSecurity #AI #OrganizedCrime #Security #TSTs
Met HE Ms. Cheryl Urban, Deputy Minister for Africa and Pan-Geographic Affairs at Global Affairs Canada.
Our discussions focused on deepening cooperation between IGAD and Canada across key priorities including peace and security, climate resilience, humanitarian response, and sustainable development in the Horn of Africa.
I appreciate Canada’s continued partnership and reaffirm IGAD’s commitment to working together for lasting stability and prosperity.