Strategic support for police structures in the African Union and AFRIPOL

Context

The rapid political changes in some African countries have contributed to the territorial expansion of criminal and terrorist organisations. As a result, transnational organised crime such as human trafficking, the illegal trade in weapons and drugs, and cybercrime have increased. Terrorist organisations such as Boko Haram, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, Al-Shabaab and the Islamic State have also been able to extend their areas of influence across borders.

Not all African countries have sufficient resources to counter these transnational threats and ensure the security of their populations. It is therefore important for each country’s police in the region to network, exchange information and work together. Structures such as the African Union’s Peace Support Operations Division (AU PSOD) and the AU mechanism for police cooperation (AFRIPOL) already exist for this purpose. However, there is in part a lack of opportunities and resources to act independently.

Objective

The fulfilment of prerequisites for the rapid deployment of African police on AU peacekeeping missions has improved. Serious criminal offences, transnational organised crime and terrorism are combated more effectively and in line with the rule of law.

Approach

The project has been supporting police reform processes in Africa since 2009, working together with 27 national and regional partners. Since the start of activities, the project has supported the AU police structures in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and since 2017 also AFRIPOL in Algiers, Algeria, on issues of internal organisation and cross-border coordination and cooperation.

On this basis, the project also advises on strategic issues, particularly the reform of the AU administration. It contributes to networking efforts among the involved stakeholders and thereby improves communication within AFRIPOL and the exchange of information on the continent.

Last update: March 2024