Senior officials, law enforcement experts, and civil society representatives have validated the Continental Guidelines for Sharing Information and Intelligence to combat trafficking in persons (TIP) and smuggling of migrants (SOM). This was during a three-day (16-18 December) engagement held in Kampala, Uganda, aimed at contributing to the continent’s fight against transnational organized crime.

The guidelines, developed by the African Union's Continental Operational Centre (COC), provide a structured framework for cooperation among Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and law enforcement agencies. With the rise of sophisticated criminal networks exploiting technological advancements, the guidelines aim to bolster intelligence-sharing mechanisms to detect, disrupt, and prosecute cases of TiP and SOM.

Advocate Maemo Machethe, Director of the COC, underscored the importance of this initiative during the opening remarks: "Trafficking in Persons and migrant smuggling represent not just violations of human rights but fundamental threats to state sovereignty and regional stability. These guidelines are an actionable blueprint for dismantling the networks that perpetuate these crimes," he stated.

The workshop highlighted key elements of the guidelines, which emphasize cross-border collaboration, robust intelligence-sharing protocols, and the adoption of mutual legal assistance frameworks. The document also includes mechanisms to harmonize laws across Member States and foster trust among stakeholders through secure data-sharing platforms.

The guidelines also advocate for leveraging technology to strengthen law enforcement capabilities while addressing its misuse by perpetrators. This includes investments in cybersecurity, data analytics, and capacity-building initiatives to enhance the expertise of law enforcement personnel.

Experts discussed the challenges that impede efforts to combat TIP and SOM, including inadequate data collection, limited resources for enforcement, and the reluctance of some actors to share key information. The guidelines propose practical solutions such as developing standardized data collection tools, creating cross-border task forces, and fostering bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

Interpol’s Regional Specialized Officer for Eastern Africa Bureau, Mr. Emmanuel Ndayegamiye, called the guidelines a turning point in the fight against transnational organized crime.

"Strengthening intelligence sharing and fostering cross-border cooperation are not just strategies but imperatives in dismantling human trafficking and migrant smuggling networks—because no single nation can fight this battle alone," Mr.  Ndayegamiye explained.

The validation workshop concluded with the adoption of a final version of the guidelines, incorporating stakeholder feedback. The finalized document will serve as a reference point for national and regional efforts, supported by capacity-building initiatives to empower enforcement agencies.

With strengthened collaboration and the endorsement of these guidelines, Africa, through its institutions like the COC, is poised progress in TiP and SOM, safeguarding both its people and its borders. Established in 2019, under a decision by the 32nd AU Assembly, the COC has been and continues to be a cornerstone in Africa’s efforts to combat irregular migration. The COC not only coordinates anti-TIP and SOM initiatives but also supports ongoing regional processes such as the Khartoum and Rabat Processes, which address migration challenges across key corridors.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Innocent Vuga | Communication & Knowledge Management Officer – JLMP | Labour, Employment and Migration Division, African Union Commission | Email: VugaI@africa-union.org

Janet Faith Adhiambo Ochieng | Communication Officer- Agenda 2063 | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission | E-mail: Ochiengj@Africa-union.org

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