Cape Town, South Africa: The INTERPOL African Regional Conference concluded in Cape Town with a renewed pledge from police chiefs and senior law enforcement officials across the continent to intensify the fight against organized crime, terrorism, and emerging security threats.
Over several days of deliberations, leaders reviewed Africa’s most pressing security challenges—including cybercrime, terrorism, human trafficking, financial fraud, drug trafficking, and environmental crimes. The conference emphasized that these threats often transcend national borders, requiring stronger intelligence sharing, joint operations, and modern investigative techniques.
In her opening remarks, the Chair of the conference highlighted the need for Africa to stay ahead of rapidly evolving crime trends. “Criminal networks are becoming increasingly sophisticated and international. Only by strengthening cooperation can we dismantle these threats effectively,” she said.
Key Outcomes of the Conference:
* Adoption of recommendations to enhance cross-border police collaboration through advanced data-sharing systems and rapid information exchange.
* Greater focus on cybercrime response, including the development of digital forensic capacities and specialized training for African police units.
* Commitment to joint operations against terrorism networks, particularly those exploiting vulnerable borders.
* Strengthening financial crime investigations, including money laundering and fraud detection, with closer collaboration with financial intelligence units.
* Reinforced strategies to combat environmental crime, including illegal mining, logging, and wildlife trafficking, which undermine Africa’s natural resources and security.
Delegates underlined the importance of INTERPOL’s I-24/7 secure global police communications system, which enables African countries to instantly check and share data on criminals, missing persons, and stolen property. The conference also urged member states to make full use of INTERPOL’s databases and operational support tools to identify and disrupt criminal networks.
The event provided a crucial platform for police leaders to share best practices, success stories, and challenges. Several African countries showcased recent breakthroughs in dismantling organized crime syndicates, seizing illicit financial flows, and foiling terrorist plots with the help of international cooperation.
In his closing remarks, an INTERPOL Executive Committee representative praised the determination of African law enforcement to confront shared threats. “Africa’s security is global security. The commitments made here will not only protect African communities but also strengthen international peace and stability,” he stated.
The conference ended with a strong call for political support, resource allocation, and community partnerships to ensure that police agencies are fully equipped to meet 21st-century challenges.
With its series of actionable recommendations, the INTERPOL African Regional Conference has set a clear roadmap to enhance Africa’s resilience against organized crime and terrorism—marking a major step forward in safeguarding people, economies, and stability across the continent.
