Comparative analysis of intelligence oversight mechanisms in East African Community [EAC] states
Date
2020-12,
Authors
Isaiah, Otieno Omburo
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Strathmore University
Abstract
National security intelligence agencies across East Africa have undergone many reforms from the
period of decolonization, during and after the Cold War, the eras of state rebuilding in some of the
post conflict states and in the current age of heightened counterterrorism campaigns. National
security sector reforms in the East African Community (EAC) have largely been dependent on
national socio-political circumstances. However, there are also several overarching factors which
have informed national security intelligence reforms which include the drive towards making the
agencies more accountable in the EAC. Despite various reforms, intelligence oversight
mechanisms in the EAC are either partly or not being implemented at all. The EAC states have
also undertaken several steps towards intelligence collaboration especially with the persistent
threat of international terrorism. Consequently, the necessity for effective and legitimate
intelligence collection among the states in such relationships has become a pertinent question in
intelligence collaboration. Part of the bumpy ride towards opening up of national intelligence
services for scrutiny in EAC is the perennial question of regime security especially in the postconflict
states in the region.
This study comparatively assesses different intelligence oversight regimes in the EAC states and
attendant issues arising out various oversight mechanisms which are currently being implemented
in the region. The study adopted a descriptive case study methodology exploiting qualitative
primary and secondary data to evaluate intelligence oversight regimes in the region. The study
examined universal intelligence oversight mechanisms and practices, the forms of the intelligence
community in the EAC states and assessed the post-independent intelligence oversight
mechanisms in the region.
The study established that different EAC states have statutorily established executive,
parliamentary and judicial oversight mechanisms for their national intelligence services. However,
there are contextual differences in terms of the actual practice of intelligence oversight across the
EAC. These differences in intelligence oversight regimes across the region are influenced by
factors including political and intelligence cultures in the EAC states.
Description
Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts Diplomacy, Intelligence and Security
Keywords
National security intelligence, Counterterrorism, Oversight mechanisms