Somalia Looks to AI in Counterterrorism as Regional Intelligence Chiefs Meet in Kenya
GOOBJOOG NEWS | NAIVASHA: Somalia is set to enhance its counterterrorism efforts through artificial intelligence (AI) after top intelligence officials from across Africa met in Kenya to discuss emerging security threats.
The 2nd Mashariki Cooperation Conference (MCC II), held in Naivasha, brought together representatives from over 60 intelligence and security agencies, highlighting the increasing role of AI in combatting terrorism, organized crime, and digital misinformation.
Somalia’s Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Abdullahi Mohamed Ali, attended the high-level conference as his country continues its fight againsta Al-Shabaab and ISIS.
Addressing regional counterparts, he underscored Somalia’s commitment to intelligence cooperation, emphasizing the growing need for AI-driven surveillance and data analytics to disrupt extremist networks.
“NISA remains committed to intelligence-sharing and adopting new technologies to counter terrorist threats,” Ali said. “Forums like the Mashariki Cooperation Conference allow us to strengthen alliances and enhance intelligence capabilities.”
Critical Platform
The conference, which has become a critical platform for intelligence collaboration, focused on how AI-powered technologies can enhance real-time threat detection, social media monitoring, and predictive security measures.
The discussions come at a time when Somalia faces persistent threats from militant groups that have exploited digital platforms and regional instability to expand their operations.
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Kipchumba Murkomen, told delegates that traditional surveillance methods were no longer sufficient in tackling modern security threats.
He urged intelligence agencies to integrate AI tools to track terrorist activities, identify financial networks linked to extremist groups, and prevent attacks before they happen.
“Africa may lag in technological innovation, but we cannot afford to remain vulnerable. We must embrace self-reliance in securing our people and resources,” Murkomen said.
Kenya’s Director General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), Noordin M. Haji, warned that misinformation and disinformation on digital platforms were undermining governance and national stability, making it easier for terrorist groups to manipulate public opinion.
“While digital platforms are vital to democracy, their exploitation is fueling uncertainty and poor decision-making. Intelligence agencies must use AI to counter these emerging threats,” he said.
Climate Change
The conference also highlighted how climate change is becoming an increasing security challenge in East Africa, as resource-based conflicts and food insecurity create conditions that extremist groups can exploit.
Haji called for a unified African approach to addressing climate-driven security threats, arguing that global policies must reflect the continent’s unique realities.
For Somalia, which has relied heavily on regional cooperation to combat al-Shabaab, the takeaways from the Naivasha conference are expected to shape its future security strategy.
The push for AI-powered intelligence-sharing frameworks could help Somali forces enhance surveillance, counter digital propaganda, and improve cross-border security coordination.
The Mashariki Cooperation Initiative is set to expand its role in strengthening intelligence partnerships, with AI-driven security strategies at its core.
As regional agencies deepen their cooperation, Somalia’s counterterrorism efforts could gain new momentum, reinforcing its long-term fight against extremist groups.