ALGIERS – The African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation (AFRIPOL) Steering Committee launched its 12th session on Tuesday in Algiers, focusing on enhancing security and development cooperation.
Over the course of two days, participants will examine “ways to improve AFRIPOL’s security strategy to address continental security challenges,” as well as “the report on activities implemented by AFRIPOL in 2023-2024.”
The meeting will also provide an opportunity to explore how to “strengthen essential communication channels for information sharing among AFRIPOL members.”
The means to develop this mechanism’s capabilities to combat crime in all its forms will also be discussed.
In a speech delivered at the opening of proceedings, the Algerian Director General of National Police (DGSN), Ali Badaoui, underscored “the commitment of African countries to achieve continental security, peace and sustainable development.”
He called for “sustained efforts in implementing the African Union’s (AU) strategy to combat terrorism and organized crime that threaten the continent’s security, stability and prosperity.”
Badaoui noted that this meeting comes at a critical juncture, stressing that everyone must “remain vigilant against the security challenges and threats currently facing Africa, including terrorism, transnational organized crime, cybercrime and illegal migration.
AFRIPOL Executive Director Jalel Chelba, in turn, called for “enhanced cooperation and resource mobilization to tackle the challenges confronting Africa, particularly transnational organized crime, terrorism and cybercrime.”
He further emphasized “the crucial need for coordinated efforts and the exchange of experience and expertise.”
