Ethiopia has launched hosting the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) universal security audit program—continuous monitoring approach (USAP-CMA)—on Monday, May 3, 2024. 

The international civil aviation audit is underway after twelve years. The security audit will be targeted at Bole International Airport and other regional airports. 

It was also noted that the international aviation security audit was conducted for the first time under the coordination of the National Intelligence and Security Service in partnership with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). 

Speaking at the occasion, the Deputy Director General of the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) and Chairperson of the National Civil Aviation Technical Committee, Sisay Tola, said that Ethiopia has been expanding more airports so as to accommodate more than 10 million passengers and 700,000 tons of cargo annually. Hence, the NISS has a commitment to provide the highest security services as per international standards. 

He added that Ethiopia has been investing in infrastructure, advanced technologies, and others to detect the potential threat.  The comprehensive institutional reforms in the aviation security sector also contributed to establishing the organizational structure and allocating appropriate leadership that is responsible and accountable., he reiterated.    

Ethiopia has deployed over 2,000 trained manpower to maintain civil aviation security, as disclosed during the beginning of the security audit.

The Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA) was the leading organization in Africa to sign an agreement with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) 80 years ago. 

The opening of the audit was attended by senior government officials from the National Intelligence and Security Service, Information Network Security Administration (INSA), Immigration and Citizenship Service, Ministry of Transport and Logistics, and Civil Aviation Authority, among others.