The Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (EAPCCO) is deliberating its subcommittee meeting on combating various transnational crimes including terrorism and violent extremism.
The three-day meeting kicked off today in Addis Ababa under the theme “Promoting Best Policing Practices in the Fight Against Terrorism and Transnational Organized Crime in EAPCCO Region and Beyond”.
In his opening remark, Ethiopian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Zelalem Mengistea said the region is facing common crime such as terrorism, financial crime, cyber-crime, counterfeiting, narcotics, human trafficking, arm trafficking, and crime against children among others.
“I urge all of us to work towards a common goal of fighting against these crimes and reducing crimes rate in the region. We can achieve this goal only if we work together as a team by building a strong networking, sharing information and using Interpol tools,” he added.
Furthermore, Zelalem pointed out that this will enhance and strengthen cooperation among member country’s law enforcement agencies and partners in the fight against transnational organized crime.
Outgoing Chair from DRC, Colonel Tshiany Magnat Kabeya said that EAPCCO exists primarily as a police collaboration and coordination entity in Eastern Africa region.
He emphasized the importance of collective obligation to combat terrorism and transnational organized crime in the interest of the regional stability, peace and development.
“The government and police chiefs of 14 countries have shown commitment in ensuring that the region is safe,” the outgoing chair noted.
The police chiefs will deliberate on developments and regional response to terrorism and violent extremism and regional efforts to combat transnational organized crimes among others.
EAPCCO with 14 member countries Police Chiefs is aimed at harmonizing, strengthening police co-operation and joint strategies, sharing of crime related information and harmonization of laws in order to enhance the capacity of law enforcement agencies to combat transnational organized crime.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency