Enhancing counterterrorism cooperation in eastern Africa

The Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) recently noted that 'due to its geographical location, persistence of conflict, absence of state structures, despair from the loss of hope and the growth of extremism, the IGAD region is considered to be the most vulnerable to terrorism of all regions in sub-Saharan Africa'. While innovative collaborative efforts among eastern African states, external donors, and civil society through the establishment of the IGAD's Capacity Building Programme against Terrorism (ICPAT) are making significant strides toward the development of a coherent approach to counterterrorism capacity building in the subregion, significant challenges to effective cooperative action in eastern Africa remain.