UNODC consolidates West African anti-corruption efforts in Niamey

On 26-27 February, 13 national anti-corruption authorities from West African countries gathered in a conference in Niamey, bringing together heads of anti-corruption institutions for the first time since 2012. The conference connected investigators, developped a strategic plan for the region and supported the new ECOWAS Network of Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa. Read More (Version française)

4.5 tons of ivory seized thanks to UNODC Container Control Program

Resulting from cooperation efforts between UNODC and African governments, Togolese authorities have recently seized 4.5 tons of ivory at the Lomé port. Orchestrated thanks to the UNODC Container Control Programme (CCP), this seizure highlights the importance that wildlife crimes can have on security and development efforts in the region. Read More (Version française)

UNODC launches a Joint Airport Interdiction Task Force in Mali

As part of its continued support to counter drug trafficking in the region, UNODC and the Government of Mali officially inaugurated on 9 February 2015, the Joint Airport Interdiction Task Force (JAITF) of Bamako Senou International Airport with the aim to better improve the detection, interdiction and investigative capacities of the airport. Read More (Version française)

UNODC to increase technical cooperation with Cabo Verde to counter organized crime

UNODC Regional Representative for West and Central Africa lead an official mission to Praia, Cabo Verde, from 4 to 8 February 2015, with the aim to strengthen UNODC's technical cooperation with the government and consult with national and international partners on the most effective way to address national priorities. Read More (Version française) (Versão portuguesa) 

Enhancing trans-border cooperation to tackle illicit trafficking

UNODC organized on 28-29 January a workshop on border control, with a special focus on land borders. With the objective of bringing together the leaders of different relevant institutions, the workshop aimed at enabling the drafting of recommendations conducive to improvements in the control of main entry points of the Sahel region. Read More (Version française)

Tackling human trafficking in West Africa: UNODC and the story of Anna and Precious

A few years ago, Anna, now aged 24, and her friend Precious, now 19, were brought from Nigeria to Okah, in northern Côte d'Ivoire, under the pretence of attractive jobs. With difficult living conditions back home, they made the choice of moving for a better life. The opportunity was not as innocent as it seemed and Anna and Precious soon found themselves being trafficked. Read More (Version française)

UNODC strengthens international cooperation in the Sahel

A strategy meeting took place on 19 and 20 January in Dakar, Senegal, to assess and evaluate the considerable progress achieved by UNODC through the UN Integrated Strategy for the Sahel, and set a precise direction for its future. Stakeholders approved the extension of the Sahel Programme until 2017 and further integration of Maghreb countries into activities in the region. Read More (Version française)

Consensus achieved on a draft anti-corruption bill in Niger with UNODC support

Anti-corruption officials in Niger achieved consensus on proposals related to draft anti-corruption legislation that is poised to be adopted by the Council of Ministers and the National Assembly in 2015. This result was achieved at a workshop organized by the HALCIA and UNODC held in Niamey, Niger, from 15 to 17 December 2014. Read More (Version française)

Students, civil society and government together to celebrate 9 December

The International Day against Corruption was celebrated at the University of Dakar, Senegal, through a regional forum organized by UNODC in partnership with CERAG, the OFNAC and the Faculty of law and Political Science. The theme of the Forum was: "Sanctioning acts of corruption in Africa: Current situation and challenges" Read More (Version française)

Enhancing effective criminal justice systems in West Africa

Judicial authorities play a crucial role in ensuring that criminals are brought to justice but have to integrate new legal concepts and procedural mechanisms into legal practice. In a move to enhance expertise with magistrates in areas relevant to countering drugs, crime and terrorism, UNODC initiated a partnership with Centres for Judiciary Training from West Africa. Read More (Version française)

Sahel countries agree on priorities to protect and assist victims and witnesses

UNODC organized a regional meeting in Nouakchott, Mauritania, from 2 to 4 December 2014, which provided an overview of the legal and practical challenges faced by Sahel countries in protecting and assisting victims and witnesses of crime. The meeting brought together 39 participants from all over the region. Read More (Version française)

Drug Use and Trafficking in Senegal: Strengthening Monitoring and Rehabilitation

The "Centre de Prise en charge Intégrée des Addictions de Dakar" (CEPIAD) was recently inaugurated in the framework of the UNODC contribution to support drug dependence treatment service development and evidence-based service delivery. This integrated center delivers the first methadone maintenance programme in West Africa. Read More (Version française)

Launch of the Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network for West Africa "ARIN-WA"

To answer to various forms of illicit trafficking, embezzlement of public funds and corruption, UNODC's Global Programme against Money Laundering (GPML) organized a high-level meeting from 24 to 27 November 2014 in Accra, Ghana, which officially established the Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network for West Africa (ARIN-WA). Read More (Version française)

Investigative journalism in the Sahel: a critical role in tackling corruption and organized crime

A regional workshop on investigating and reporting corruption on organized crime in the Sahel was held in Saly, Senegal, from 24 to 27 November 2014. The four-day workshop allowed renowned journalists from 14 countries in West Africa to exchange on the disastrous effects of corruption and drug trafficking and the centrality of investigative journalism in the process of helping to bring those responsible to justice. Read More (Version française)

UNODC facilitates marking and registration of small arms and light weapons in Niger

In close collaboration with its regional partners, UNODC and the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs have donated three machines for marking small arms and light weapons to the National Commission for the Collection and Control of Illicit Arms of the Republic of Niger, and organized a training workshop on the marking and registration of light weapons and small arms. Read More (Version française)

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