Africa-Press – Ethiopia. Criminal investigation directors and security experts from member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) began a three-day meeting in Tanzania on Monday to discuss the challenges posed by organized transnational crime and to develop joint strategies to combat the vice.
Transnational organized crime is indeed a major concern in Africa and globally, posing significant threats to security, stability, and development.
This type of crime, involving criminal groups operating across borders, fuels various illicit activities like drug trafficking, human trafficking, and arms trafficking, undermining governance and impacting the lives of millions.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)’s recent reports indicate that transnational organized crime has significantly increased to become a major security threat, especially in Africa, the second most affected continent.
There are calls for coordinated responses based on the UN’s Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC), adopted in 2000 by the international community in Palermo, Italy.
The security experts are meeting in the port city of Dar es Salaam under the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (SARPCCO) to enhance coordinated strategies to fight organized transnational crime.
Tanzanian Inspector General of Police Camillus Wambura said the agenda of the meeting focuses on organized transnational crime, including human trafficking, drug trafficking and abuse, terrorism, cybercrime, and financial crime.
Wambura said the rise of modern crime using advanced technology requires strong and close cooperation among SADC member states to build collective strength to effectively address threats to regional security.
“Cross-border security challenges require true regional solidarity. Through forums like this, we gain the opportunity to share experiences, intelligence, and best investigative practices to ensure our region remains secure,” he said.
SARPCCO was formed in 1995 by SADC member states with primary responsibility for preventing and combating cross-border and transnational organized crime.
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