By Lamin Cham
Ousman Sowe, the director-general of the State Intelligence Service (SIS) has been re-nomination as the chair of the 15-member regional intelligence services of Ecowas.
His re-nomination came during a Zoom meeting held on 25th February in which 13 of the 15-member intelligence services of West Africa supported him.
His re-nomination to the position is in recognition by member services’ of his “exemplary leadership and stewardship of the body during the difficult times” of 2019 to 2021.
In his acceptance statement, DG Sowe recommitted himself to work harder as the challenges ahead are no less hard. He urged member services of the Committee of Intelligence and Security Services of Africa (CISSA) to get better and stronger.
“The SIS Gambia feels very encouraged by this re-nomination as chair of the region which is yet another testimony of the trust and credibility that the SIS is registering not only inside The Gambia but also among regional services and beyond,” Sowe said.
He thanked The Gambia government and governments in the sub-region for the trust reposed in him and assured that the SIS under his stewardship will remain committed “to deliver to the highest level in all its obligations in national, regional, continental and international peace and security affairs”.
Sowe further urged CISSA-West Africa members to work closely and “provide timely actionable intelligence” to the political leaders and decision-makers.
He also said he is willing to work with his colleagues and the Ecowas Commission towards addressing the myriad of security challenges confronting West Africa sub-region.
