Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Royal Eswatini Police Service, through the Eswatini Section of the International Police Association (IPA), successfully hosted the IPA International Executive Board African Chapter Conference from February 13 to 15, 2026, at Simunye Country Club, bringing together senior police leaders and delegates from across Africa and beyond.
The high-level conference, held under the theme “Policing Through Friendship,” aimed to strengthen international cooperation, integrate policing strategies, share best practices, and enhance coordinated responses to crime and security challenges through bilateral and multilateral partnerships.
The official opening on February 13, 2026, was attended by IPA President Martin Hoffmann, members of the International Executive Board, and delegates from countries including South Africa, Cyprus, Mozambique, Botswana, Kenya, and Lesotho, with Government represented by Minister of Health Mduduzi Matsebula, standing in for the Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini who was out of the country on other duties.
As the conference progressed, discussions focused on strengthening unity within the global policing community, building institutional capacity, and positioning the African Section as a key contributor to the future growth of the IPA. Hoffmann praised the continent’s potential, noting that Africa’s strength lies not only in numbers but also in ideas and shared responsibility.
National Commissioner of Police Manoma Vusie Masango expressed gratitude to the IPA leadership for entrusting Eswatini with hosting the conference, describing the decision as an endorsement of the country’s capacity and a symbol of the strong bonds within the international policing family.
The conference concluded with a farewell dinner hosted by REPS on February 14, 2026, at Simunye Country Club. Speaking on behalf of the National Commissioner, Senior Deputy National Commissioner Melusi Shadrack Simelane thanked the International Executive Board for its confidence in Eswatini and urged delegates to actively promote IPA membership as a means of strengthening collective responses to global policing challenges.
In addition to formal engagements, delegates were afforded an opportunity to experience Eswatini’s cultural and natural heritage through visits to Swazi Secrets and Hlane Royal National Park, while receiving gifts as tokens of appreciation and remembrance.
The conference also extended its impact to the community. On February 12, 2026, the IPA President, National Commissioner, and delegates visited Nsubane Primary School, where they inspected renovation works to the school hall and teachers’ staffroom supported by the local IPA section. The visit included donations of stationery, sports equipment, and financial support aimed at enhancing the learning environment for pupils.
REPS said the successful hosting of the conference reaffirmed Eswatini’s position as a trusted partner in international policing cooperation, while showcasing the country’s hospitality, professionalism, and commitment to community-centred policing.
