Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Coorporation

EAPPCO Field Training Exercises at Moshi Tanzania

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 05:45:11 +0000

The 4^th Field Training exercise (FTX) was conducted based on the guidance of the Council of Police Chiefs while in the 25^th EAPPCO Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Bujumbura, Burundi. The FTX took place in Tanzania Police School – Moshi and the field exercises were conducted in Kilelepoli campus. The FTX was conducted between 12^th and 19^th April 2024. Seven member countries participated in the exercise. The aim of this event was to continuously train and test EAPCCO’s capability to plan, deploy and execute their preparedness to prevent and respond to terrorism and other transnational organized crimes. The first two exercises were held in Uganda while the third was held in Kenya in May 2023 and July 2017 respectively.

The exercise had the following specific objectives.

To prepare countries in the region to face the challenges posed by the current and future terrorist threats and to assess the readiness of the region to counter these threats:
To prepare countries in the region to form a combined effort to counter, react and investigate terror attacks:
Improve awareness of the different types of threats terrorism presents:
Maintain and enhance regional cohesion and cooperation:
Improve cooperation and interoperability of police components in EAPCCO

Message From The Head Of Regional Bureau And Chief Executive Of Eapcco Secretariat

eapccoor — Fri, 26 Nov 2021 07:49:40 +0000

I am pleased to welcome all visitors to the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (EAPCCO) website.

EAPCCO is a regional law enforcement cooperation organization keen to link national police services in the Eastern Africa region and whose objective is to combat transnational organized crime. In today’s highly globalized world, police cooperation is a matter of need rather than choice. Whereas at the global level, police agencies cooperate through INTERPOL and at continental level through AFRIPOL, there is a great need to forge cooperation mechanisms at the regional level in order to address both internationally sanctioned crimes as well as region specific cross border crimes and this is the role that EAPCCO plays.

For over two decades of its existence, EAPCCO has been at the forefront in promoting cooperation among member countries through information sharing, police chiefs’ resolutions, joint training and joint operations while targeting such crimes as Terrorism; drug trafficking; proliferation of small arms and light weapons; environmental crimes; human trafficking and people smuggling; counterfeiting; cybercrime and money laundering among others. The organization has through the Council of Police Chiefs, the Permanent Coordinating Committee and the supporting organs (Training, Legal, Counter Terrorism and Gender) continued to support regional collaboration. These successes would however not be realized without the unwavering support of political leaders and our very worthy partners.

This digital platform therefore serves as a channel for sharing and showcasing EAPCCO’s achievements, activities and programs as well as enlist public support in the fight against Transnational Organized Crimes.

Welcome!

OPERATION USALAMA VII REVIEW MEETING

eapccoor — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 05:37:25 +0000

SERENA HOTEL DAR ES SALAAM – TANZANIA 25-27 October 2021

Operation code named USALAMA was initiated in the EAPCCO and SARPCCO regions in the year 2013. Following the excellent results yielded in the previous operations, and the need to maintain continuity and sustainability the chiefs of Police from both regions resolved to have the operation being conducted annually.

Since then, the operation has been conducted consistently with the exception of the year 2020, due to the prevailing global COVID-19 pandemic.

The meeting was officially opened by the Director of Criminal Investigation Department, Tanzania Police Force, Mr Camillus WAMBURA. In his remarks, he noted that the meeting was a great opportunity for Member Countries to share experiences, challenges and good practices noted in the course of Operation USALAMA VII with a view of enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in fighting transnational organized crime (TOC) and improve safety within the regions. He highlighted the need to co-opt other regional bodies such as CAPCCO in operation USALAMA series to enhance its cooperation. He urged delegates to seriously deliberate on the Agenda items and come up with Recommendations that would improve future operations.

In his remarks the representative of UNODC ROEA, Mr. Julius LEMAKO noted the increased threat of TOCs and terrorism in the two regions and therefore emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation. He confirmed UNODC commitment with the support from the German Government to continue working with and supporting EAPCCO, and their initiatives in the fight against TOCs and terrorism.

In attendance were the two Head of INTERPOL Regional Bureau Harare and Nairobi. In his opening remarks, the Head of INTERPOL RB Harare Mr Mubita NAWA articulated some of the achievements made during the operation USALAMA VII. He implored on the need for maximum utilization of INTERPOL Policing Capabilities in order to enhance our operations.

The delegates cerebrated the great achievements of seized haul of Narcotics drugs, Small arms, bombs, stolen motor vehicles, minerals and cables. Further, criminals perpetrating the crimes including smuggling in persons, illicit goods and counterfeit medicines, stock theft and bank fraudsters were arrested and they waiting for the wheels of justice to turn.

THE 21ST MEETING OF MINISTERS RESPONSIBLE FOR POLICE AFFAIRS IN EAPCCO COUNTRIES

eapccoor — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 09:13:00 +0000

The Ministers responsible for Police Affairs in the Eastern Africa region held their 21^st Hybrid Meeting on 15 October 2021 at Fleuve Hotel Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo and via KUDO platform.

The meeting was attended by Ministers/Representatives from the following EAPCCO member countries namely; Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.

Also attendance was also the Executive Director Police services, INTERPOL Mr. Stephen KAVANAGH, the Heads of INTERPOL Regional Bureaus Nairobi and Yaoundé and the Head of NCBs Coordination Desk for Africa.

The Ministers appreciated EAPCCO member countries for their effort in combating Terrorism and Transnational Organized Crimes through enhanced cooperation and collaboration.

The Ministers further recognized the astute leadership provided by the outgoing chairperson Mr. Simon SIRRO during his tenure as the EAPCCO chairperson that has seen the region enjoy peace and tranquility for the last two years. They further applauded the incoming chairperson for committing to work tirelessly to achieve the EAPCCO mandate.

Mr Khamis Hamza CHILO, the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Tanzania, on behalf of the Minister of Home Affairs, Honourable George SIMBACHAWENE (MP) expressed his gratitude to the Government and people of DRC for the warm reception accorded to him. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the entire EAPCCO family, INTERPOL Secretary General and cooperating partners for their tireless support during his tenure in office. While noting the threats the region is facing that includes, but not limited to terrorism and cybercrime activities, he emphasised the need to sensitise Law Enforcement Officers on the Memorandum of Understanding between CAPCCO and EAPCCO regions that is intended to strengthen cooperation in the fight against TOCs and suppress proliferation of illegal arms in the two regions. He assured his support to the incoming chairperson.

In his acceptance speech, the incoming chairperson of the council of ministers, his Excellency Daniel ASELO OKITO WA KOY, Vice Prime Minister of Interior, Decentralization and Customary Affairs, DRC appreciated the council of Ministers for the honour and privilege they have bestowed upon him on his assumption of office as the Chair of the council of ministers. He attributed the honour to the trust and faith the region has in DRC and its head of state as a Pan Africanist. He assured the Council of ministers that EAPCCO would endeavour to develop dynamic strategies aimed at dealing with cross border and Transnational Organised Crimes. He accepted the offer of becoming the chairperson from the outgoing chair.

Mr. Stephen KAVANAGH INTERPOL Executive Director Police Services, in his remarks expressed his great pleasure to join the 21^st Council of Ministers Meeting. He confirmed that the theme of the 23^rd EAPCCO AGM reflects the collective hope of a gradual return to a more normal working environment since the beginning of the global crisis of Covid-19. He appreciated the participation of the honourable ministers from the EAPCCO region in the meeting while noting that their participation demonstrates their commitment to international law enforcement cooperation. He underscored the need for member countries to make use of the INTERPOL tools and capabilities to help share information, identify threats more effectively and bring criminals to justice.

The opening ceremony for the 21^st meeting of EAPCCO Council of Ministers was graced by the Prime Minister and Chief of Government Hon. Jean-Michel Sama LUKONDE. On behalf of the president of the Republic of DRC, His Excellency, Head of State, Felix Antonie Tshisekedi TSHILOMBO he welcomed all the delegates to Kinshasa. He appreciated the initiatives the President of Republic of DRC has continued implementing with the general influence on the African continent in his capacity as president of African Union. He emphasized on the importance of sub regional organizations in the fight against TOCs. He called upon member countries to foster the cooperation and build capacity of law enforcement officers, continually share information and conduct due diligence on suspects. He assured the delegates that DRC is open for constructive partnership with different partners.

The meeting witnessed change of chairmanship from the United Republic of Tanzania to the Democratic of Republic of Congo.

The ministers congratulated the Democratic Republic of Congo for successfully hosting the 23^rd EAPCCO hybrid Annual General Meeting despite the prevailing challenges occasioned by COVID-19 pandemic.

The Council of Ministers took note of the request by the Republic of Kenya and Sudan to support the candidature of their nominees to the INTERPOL Executive Committee African delegate. They encouraged member countries to accord them the relevant support.

The EAPCCO Chairperson, Commissioner General of Congolese National Police, Mr. Dieudonné AMULI BAHIGWA briefed the Ministers of the outcome of the 23^rd Council of Police Chiefs that was organized under the theme, ‘’Enhancing law Enforcement Strategies in Combating Transnational Organized Crimes in the Wake of COVID-19 and Beyond’ ’The issues discussed included: adoption and signing of EAPCCO legal documents (Mifugo protocol, EAPCCO/CAPCCO agreement, and EAPCCO CTCoE establishment agreement), countries activities in the region, endorsement of Marine Police College – Mwanza to be an EAPCCO Centre of Excellence in Maritime Police training , establishment of joint information cell under EAPCCO CTCoE, contributions to the EAPCCO Accounts and enhanced cooperation with INTERPOL and other cooperating partners.

The Council of Ministers acknowledged decisions of the Council of Police Chiefs and adopted the resolutions of the 23^rd EAPCCO Annual General Meeting and took note of the following;

The Council of Ministers took note of the continued activities by member countries despite the challenges brought about by the mutating COVID- 19. They observed that criminals continue to perpetuate their criminal activities despite the prevailing conditions. They called upon security agencies to remain vigilant and strengthen cooperation and collaboration to enhance the fight against emerging crimes.

The Council of ministers took note of the joint activities carried out by member countries with the support of INTERPOL and other cooperating partners to enhance capacity of Law Enforcement officers in the region to combat transnational Organized Crimes. They lauded member countries and cooperating partners for their effort in implementing resolutions of the 22^nd EAPCCO Council of Police Chiefs meeting.

The Council of ministers took note of the need to have the EAPCCO Centers of Excellences operational and therefore called for host countries and EAPCCO secretariat to seek support from cooperating partners. They further welcomed the decision to have Mwanza Marine Police College in Tanzania elevated to EAPCCO Centre of Excellence in maritime Police Training. They urged member countries to support Tanzania Police Force to ensure operationalization of the center.

The Council of Ministers took note of the need to have the reviewed 2008 EAPCCO Mifugo Protocol, EAPCCO CTCoE establishment agreement as well as the EAPCCO/CAPCCO cooperation agreement signed. They appreciated the progress made so far and encouraged the EAPCCO Ministers who have not yet signed to do.

The Council of Ministers emphasized the need for member countries to strengthen sharing of crime related information to strengthen fight against TOCs. He encouraged countries to heighten use of INTERPOL Policing Capabilities to facilitate the process.

The meeting came to an end with commendation to various actors for their support and contribution to security in the region.

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF REGIONAL BUREAU AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF EAPCCO SECRETARIAT

eapccoor — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 09:09:55 +0000

I am pleased to welcome all visitors to the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (EAPCCO) website.

Welcome!

HUMAN TRAFFICKING: UN CHIEF CALLS FOR ACTION AS COVID LEAVES ‘MANY MILLIONS’ MORE VULNERABLE

eapccoor — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 08:56:12 +0000

Highlighting how the COVID pandemic has pushed as many as 124 million more people into extreme poverty, the UN chief insisted that “many millions” have been left vulnerable to the scourge.

Half of victims in low-income countries are children, Mr. Guterres noted, just ahead of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, adding that most are trafficked for forced labour.

“Criminals everywhere are using technology to identify, control and exploit vulnerable people,” the UN chief said, adding that children are increasingly targeted through online platforms for sexual exploitation, forced marriage and other forms of abuse.

KENYA ON FBI RADAR OVER RAMPANT CYBERCRIME

eapccoor — Sat, 29 May 2021 08:30:12 +0000

Kenya is on the radar of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as a source of scams and destination of funds obtained from cyber financial fraud.

A new Interpol report released on August 14 on online organised crime in Africa which shows how digitisation is making it easier for criminals, and Interpol ranks Kenya among the countries where transnational criminal organisations operate.

EXPERTS REVIEW THE PROTOCOL ON CATTLE RUSTLING

eapccoor — Fri, 28 May 2021 08:00:24 +0000

On 24th February 2021 EAPCCO Legal Sub-committee held an online workshop to deliberate on Mifugo Protocol that was signed in 2008. This Protocol is on prevention, combating and eradication of Cattle rustling in Eastern Africa.

The workshop was organized by EAPCCO secretariat and ISS-Enact project and was attended by delegates from Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan and Tanzania.

The workshop made recommendation to Directors of Investigations on the proposed amendments to the Protocol and proposed a concrete implementation mechanism that will be adopted by Chiefs of Police.

Kenya Directorate Of Criminal Investigations Receives Equipment To Counter Human Trafficking

eapccoor — Thu, 27 May 2021 08:34:03 +0000

Nairobi (Kenya), 14 December – Thanks to funding by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union (EU) Emergency Trust Fund for Africa (EUTF), UNODC recently presented five vehicles, one generator and other equipment, including digital forensic investigation kits, to the Anti-Human Trafficking & Child Protection unit (AHTCPU) of the Kenya Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

Every year, Kenya has thousands of men, women and children fall victim to illicit trafficking groups and smuggling of migrants syndicates, and endure inhuman treatment, sexual exploitation, slave-like working conditions and other abuse, making it crucial to ensure that the anti-trafficking units has the capacity to meet the challenges of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and Smuggling of Migrants (SOM).