The call was made by the Chiefs of Police Sub-Committee/ Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (SARPCCO) during their 29th Annual General Meeting held in Lusaka, Republic of Zambia from 13th to 14th June 2024.
The meeting pledged to demonstrate a united front in combating all forms of crime, emphasising the need for robust collaboration, exchange of ideas, and the development of effective strategies to address the region's diverse security challenges in its pursuit of peace, security, development, and integration.
The SARPCCO is a Sub-Committee of the Interstate, Defence and Security Committee within the Southern African Development Community (SADC)‘s regional peace and security framework, consisting of Chiefs of Police from Member States.
During the opening ceremony, the Guest of Honour, Honourable Mr Jack Jacob Mwiimbu, Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security of the Republic of Zambia and also State Counsel, urged SADC to establish a formidable force against crime, stressing the commitment to working together for a safer and more secure SADC region.
"In today's interconnected world, crime knows no borders, as evidenced by the significant threats posed by terrorism, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and cybercrime. These challenges can only be effectively addressed through regional cooperation and coordination," Minister Mwiimbu stated.
The Minister further highlighted the key role played by the police in peace consolidation, citing achievements through collective security initiatives such as joint operations, training programmes, and information-sharing mechanisms. He also called for the region to expedite the implementation of the SADC Integrated Strategy to prevent and combat transnational organised crime, with the involvement of the private sector and international cooperation partners.
Professor Kula Ishmael Theletsane, the SADC Director of Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Affairs, commended SADC Member States for their unwavering commitment to prioritise regional initiatives to prevent and combat transnational organised crimes. He expressed appreciation to the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) for their continued support in making both SADC and the world a safer place by providing technical and operational support and sharing crime and criminal data.
Despite certain pockets of security challenges within the SADC, Professor Theletsane highlighted that the region remains relatively peaceful and stable overall. He noted the commendable efforts of the Member States in combating terrorism, specifically in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Mozambique. Moreover, he emphasised the significant progress achieved by the region in restoring peace and stability in these two Member States, which was accomplished through unity, solidarity, and a collaborative approach.
Similarly Professor Theletsane urged Member States to continue supporting the Democratic Republic of Congo in addressing the unstable and deteriorating security situation in the eastern region. He urged them to pledge operational capabilities aimed at safeguarding the well-being of civilians.
Representing INTERPOL Secretary General Dr. Jurgen Stock, Mr. Sello Moerane, the Head of the INTERPOL Regional Bureau in Harare, expressed the organisation's readiness and commitment to further extend cooperation with the SADC region. He mentioned the tailoring of operational delivery to better suit the requirements of the SADC and emphasised the significance of a robust partnership between both entities.
Mr. Moerane acknowledged the region's efforts in combating crime. He commended the Member States for taking proactive measures to find African-focused solutions to security threats, rather than relying on global entities. He applauded the amicable and conducive working relationship between INTERPOL and the SADC region, marking it as integral to INTERPOL's strategic work in strengthening ties with African Regional Economic Bodies. Additionally, he highlighted the successful coordinated operations that have identified terrorist networks and various criminal activities.
The Chiefs of Police also discussed and considered the following;
The meeting stressed the importance of effectively implementing and operationalising the SADC Protocols, which strive to enhance peace and security and support the Regional Indicative Strategic Plan (RISDP 2020-2030).
Member States were urged to expedite the process of reviewing laws and legal instruments to align with regional and international provisions, with a particular emphasis on addressing factors contributing to the upsurge in unlawful activities.
Regarding the implementation of strategies and policies, the SARPCCO acknowledged and applauded the commendable progress made by Member States, particularly in harmonising legal frameworks and implementing the SADC Protocol on the Control of Firearms, Ammunition, and other Related Materials, along with other legislative efforts.
The meeting emphasised the importance of ratifying and domesticating various regional, continental, and international strategic instruments to combat cybercrime and ensure cybersecurity.
The meeting called for expediting the SADC Integrated Strategy and its Action Plan. This encompasses the development of national strategies, which urge Member States to establish National Organised Crime Task Forces and develop a Regional Integrated Border Management Strategy.
Moreover, the meeting called for Member States to accede to the Protocol on the Control of Firearms, including the Agreement amending the Protocol and other related materials. Among its objectives, the Protocol aims to prevent, combat, and eradicate the illicit manufacturing of firearms and other related materials, as well as their excessive and destabilising accumulation, trafficking, possession, and use in the region.
Furthermore, the meeting encouraged Member States to intensify efforts in identifying, sharing information, arresting, and prosecuting regional criminal networks involved in illegal mining, firearms proliferation, cash-in-transit heists, terrorism financing, as well as other organised violent crimes, including human and drug trafficking, and the smuggling of goods and prohibited substances.
Mr. Graphel Musamba, Inspector General of the Zambia Police Service and Outgoing Chairperson of SARPCCO presented the Sword of Honour to Mr. Camillus M. Wambura, Inspector General of Police of the United Republic of Tanzania, who will assume Chairpersonship of SADC Chiefs of Police Sub-Committee in August 2024.
Comrade Tandabantu Godwin Matanga, Commissioner General of Zimbabwe Republic Police from the Republic of Zimbabwe, the longest-serving Police Chief in the region, was appointed as the Dean of SADC Chiefs of Police Sub-Committee/SARPCCO.
