Javier Milei's Overhaul of Argentina's Intelligence System
In a significant move aimed at bolstering national security and addressing past inefficiencies, Argentine President Javier Milei has enacted a sweeping reform of the country's intelligence apparatus. The Federal Intelligence Agency (AFI) has been dissolved, making way for the creation of the State Intelligence Secretariat (SIDE), which will oversee four specialized agencies. This restructuring comes amidst heightened security concerns and aligns with Argentina's recent geopolitical stance, particularly its alignment with Israel amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The New Structure and Its Implications
The new SIDE will consist of the Argentine Intelligence Service (SIA), the National Security Agency (ASN), the Federal Cybersecurity Agency (AFC), and the Internal Affairs Division (DAI). Each of these agencies will have distinct roles aimed at enhancing Argentina's intelligence capabilities. The SIA will focus on global strategic information and cooperation with allied intelligence agencies. The ASN will handle early warning and information generation on complex federal crimes and threats from criminal and terrorist organizations within the national territory. The AFC will develop solutions for detecting and containing cyber attacks, while the DAI will supervise and audit the management of resources and ensure legal compliance.
Sergio Neiffert, a trusted leader, will head the SIDE, ensuring political control and operational efficiency. This move is seen as a response to past failings, including the AFI's inaction during the attack on former president Cristina Kirchner. Santiago Caputo, Milei's main advisor, has been instrumental in this reform, having worked on it even before the departure of the former Chief of Staff Nicolás Posse.
The reform, formalized through decrees 614 and 615/2024 published in the Official Gazette, reflects a commitment to professionalizing Argentina's intelligence services. It aims to prevent illegal espionage and ensure the protection of the Argentine people. The government's official statement highlighted the previous misuse of intelligence resources for internal espionage and political persecution, underscoring the need for this comprehensive overhaul.
