At the 33rd Session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, a side-event titled 'Introduction to the new UNODC-UNICRI Initiative on the Nexus between terrorism and organized crime in Africa: Responses to emerging threats and new dynamics' unveiled a comprehensive strategy to tackle this pressing challenge.
The intersections between organized crime and terrorism pose a significant threat to global peace, security, and stability. Unfortunately, Africa has been severely impacted by organized criminal networks and terrorist groups that exploit resources, exacerbate conflicts, and perpetrate violence.
The event highlighted a critical joint initiative: the new UNODC-UNICRI project addressing the nexus between terrorism and organized crime in Africa. H.E. Ambassador Debora Lepre, from the Permanent Mission of Italy to the International Organisations in Vienna, together with Mr. Roberto Arbitrio, Chief of the Terrorism Prevention Branch (TPB), UNODC, Mr. Djoubeïrou Oumar Diallo, Permanent Secretary in charge of implementing the Republic of Mali’s National Policy to Prevent and Counter Violent Extremism and Terrorism, and Mr. Leif Villadsen, Acting Director of UNICRI, emphasized the importance of this endeavor.
Participants stressed that the nexus poses a significant threat to global peace, with Africa bearing a disproportionate burden due to criminal networks and terrorist groups. In regions spanning from the Sahel to the Horn of Africa, the convergence of crime and terrorism undermines peace and development. The GCTF The Hague Good Practices on the Nexus between Transnational Organized Crime and Terrorism and UNICRI's Policy Toolkit offer crucial guidance, while the pilot project by UNODC and UNICRI provides tailored assistance and capacity-building to a number of African Member States.
Despite persistent challenges such as coordination gaps and limited resources, participants underscored the urgency of enhanced cooperation and strategic investments to address the nexus between terrorism and organized crime. Terrorist groups often exploit resources, exacerbating conflicts and perpetrating violence.
The Nexus between organized crime and terrorism is indeed complex and dynamic, demanding concerted efforts at local, national, regional, and international levels to effectively prevent and counter it. Enhanced cooperation, bolstered by strengthened legal frameworks, and strategic investments are indispensable to effectively address this enduring threat to global security.
In the words of UNICRI’s Acting Director, Leif Villadsen: “Let us recognize that this is not just a security issue but also a development, governance and human rights issue that requires a comprehensive and integrated response which goes beyond national borders.”
In conclusion, the event served as a platform to unveil the ambitious project for Africa, aligning with the vision outlined in Agenda 2063 for the continent's future. It brought together stakeholders for dialogue, innovation, and partnership, united in their commitment to fostering peace and security in the region.
Read the speech of Mr. Leif Villadsen, Acting Director of UNICRI here.
Fiche d'information NEXUS Afrique
