ABSTRACT
Intelligence cooperation in Africa was inspired by continental aspirations towards collective security and the institutionalization of common defense and security systems. The need for mechanisms to enable working together within the secret domain of state power has further evolved out of necessity to utilize the tool of intelligence to combat transnational security threats. The purpose of this chapter is to explore the evolution of the Committee on Intelligence and Security Services in Africa (CISSA) as a mechanism for information sharing and confidence building at continental level. As the continent moves increasingly towards integrated responses to peace and security, CISSA has been created as a mechanism to enable the formalization of intelligence cooperation. The primary aim of this structure is to assist the African Union (AU) and all its institutions to effectively address the security challenges confronting the continent through providing information and analysis on threats as well as providing advice on possible courses of action.
