The African Union’s (AU) Committee of Intelligence and Security Services of Africa (CISSA) opened its Tripoli office last Friday (17 January).
The opening ceremony of the AU’s joint intelligence services was attended by CISSA Executive Secretary Jackson Victor Hamata and Libyan intelligence chief Hussein Al-Ayeb. The opening of the office comes on the back of Libya taking over the presidency of CISSA for 2025 – a decision announced back in August 2024.
Speaking to gathered media Libyan intelligence chief Hussein Al-Ayeb said the opening of CISSA’s Tripoli office enhances Libya’s leadership in the field of intelligence work at the regional level with the need to intensify coordination between African intelligence agencies against terrorism, organized crime and other security issues.
Return of illegal African migrants to their countries
Specifically on the illegal African migration issue, Al-Ayeb said there will be a meeting soon of a CISSA Committee to look at solving the issue of illegal African migration within Libya – with coordination with the EU.
He said CISSA in Libya is now responsible for all the foreigners (illegal African migrants) in Libya just as the Libyan Intelligence Service is responsible for foreigners within Libya. Al-Ayeb said Libya was open to all visitors but within Libyan immigration laws.
He said a work plan will soon be launched with CISSA on returning (deporting) illegal African migrants to their countries according to international standards.
Meanwhile, Hamata praised Libya for enhancing African security and stability, and for hosting CISSA, which he said represents a strong boost to joint intelligence work among its members.
Hamata meets Presidency Council head Menfi
Meanwhile, Mamata (and his accompanying delegation) was received by Presidency Council head Mohamed Al-Menfi the previous day at the Presidency Council’s Tripoli headquarters – in the presence of Al-Ayeb.
Hamata congratulated Menfi on Libya’s assumption of the presidency of CISSA and its preparations to host the 20th Conference of the African Union Organization.
CISSA was established in the Nigerian capital Abuja in 2004. Its aim is to help the AU to share information on security threats across the African continent.
