Mali combats drug trafficking in prison

Illicit drug use is a growing concern in Malian prisons, where insufficient security measures allow detainees to traffic and consume controlled substances. UNODC organized a workshop on the identification of both illicit and legal drugs in prison. This training took place on 8-12 May 2017 and was attended by 40 Malian prison officers, enabling them to use UNODC drug and precursors test kits. Read more

UNODC organizes a training for Malian law enforcement officers on financial crime

A workshop was organized by UNODC between 24 and 28 April in Bamako on economic and financial crime. This training workshop forms part of the support programme of UNODC for the operationnalization of the G5 Sahel Security Cooperation Platform, submitted in January 2017. The training session is intended to be replicated in the remaining four G5 member states over the next months. Read more        

The Belgian Deputy Prime Minister visits the United Nations in Senegal

In the framework of the follow-up of the international conference "She Decides", the Belgian Deputy Prime Minister, M. Alexander De Croo, came on mission to Dakar between 26 and 27 April. His visit was the occasion for him and his delegation to meet with the implementing partners of UNODC, UNICEF and UNFPA that assist the most vulnerable women and the victims of trafficking in persons. Read more

UNODC trains Malian Law enforcement officers on jihadist ideology 

A national training workshop was held in Bamako, Mali, on understanding and analyzing the jihadist doctrine. This training workshop forms part of UNODC's support programme for the operationnalization of the G5 Sahel's Security Cooperation Platform (PCMS), submitted in January 2017. The training session is designed to be replicated over the next few months, in the remaining four G5 Sahel member states.  Read more

Investigative journalism as a lever for accountability in West Africa

UNODC, in collaboration with CENOZO, organized a training workshop on "International investigative journalism in the Sahel region", which took place in Ouagadougou from 18 to 20 April 2017.The workshop brought together 60 investigative journalists from the Sahel region and West Africa. The purpose of this training was to familiarize participants with CENOZO's strategic plan 2017-2019. Read more

Burkina Faso is fighting trafficking in person and smuggling of migrants

UNODC organized a training session from 10 to 14 April 2017 in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, for Police and National Gendarmerie school instructors, to strengthen authorities' responses to the challenge of transnational crime networks, and in particular, those related to fighting trafficking in person and smuggling of migrants.  Read more

Sahel governments set future priorities with UNODC and international partners

On 5 and 6 April 2017, the UNODC Sahel Programme held its second Steering Committee Meeting in Dakar, Senegal. Participating governments had the occasion to share key results and future assistance needs with UNODC experts. Recommendations were subsequently approved during a round table attended by representatives of the Sahel Programme's key donors. Read more

Chad makes progress in the fight against money-laundering and terrorism financing

A workshop was dispensed by UNODC experts in the Chadian capital city of N'djamena, and was designed to raise awareness among financial institutions and other designated non-financial businesses (DNFBPs) of the key elements of the fight against Money Laundering and Countering Terrorism Financing in Chad. Over 25 participants from various sectors benefited from the training workshop. Read more

Senegal is fighting trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants

Trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants are two growing issues threatening human security and economic development in the region. Both are affecting Senegal as it is a destination country for victims of trafficking in persons and a country of origin for migrants wishing to join Europe. In March 2017, UNODC implemented awareness raising activities in Kedougou and a training session in Dakar to fight these two plights.  Read more 

UNODC trains law enforcement officers of G5 Sahel States

Two regional training workshops have been organized in Burkina Faso, and a national one was held in Chad, covering respectively the fight against drug trafficking and intelligence gathering and analysis. These workshops form part of UNODC's support programme for the operationnalization of the G5 Sahel Security Cooperation Platform, submitted in January 2017. Read more

Law enforcement agencies commit to the fight against corruption in Burkina Faso

From 22 to 23 March 2017, a national workshop, entitled « Police, Gendarmerie and Customs Services : integrity and fighting corruption », was organized in Ouagadougou, in cooperation with the High Authority for State Control and Anti-Corruption (in French "  Autorité Supérieure de Contrôle de l'Etat et de Lutte contre la Corruption"). This workshop gathered law enforcement officers.  Read more 

UNODC Deputy Executive Director in Dakar to discuss security challenges in the region

For his first mission to Senegal, on 27 and 28 March 2017, Mr. Aldo Lale-Demoz, UNODC Deputy Executive Director (DED) met with Ministers and UNODC's main international partners to discuss security challenges, and review UNODC's contribution to enhance Senegal's and the region's capacities to counter transnational organized crime and terrorism. Read more

Burkina Faso strengthens fight against money-laundering and terrorism financing

UNODC and the Financial Intelligence Unit organized a national workshop for reporting entities on combatting money-laudering and terrorism financing (ML/FT) in Burkina Faso from 21 to 23 March 2017. 30 representatives from financial and non-financial sectors attended this workshop which aimed at raising awareness on their role in combatting ML/FT. Read more

Benin and Togo anti-drug Officers trained on techniques of interdiction in port areas

UNODC through the "Project to Support ECOWAS Regional Action Plan" and the "Container Control Programme" organised a workshop on operational techniques of interdiction in port areas, intended for anti-drug personnels from 13th - 17th March 2017 in Cotonou, Benin. A similar training will be held in Lomé, Togo from 20th-24th March 2017. Read more

Mauritania engaged against the financing of terrorism with the support of UNODC

In response to a request by Mauritanian authorities, UNODC organized a training workshop in Nouakchott to strengthen the capacities of its justice officials regarding terrorism-related cases and its financing. The activity lasted from 14 to 16 March 2017, gathering officials from various Mauritanian criminal justice institutions.  Read more

Belgium and UNODC partner to support Burkina Faso against terrorism

In February 2017, UNODC organized a national training workshop in Ouagadougou for law enforcement agents, prosecutors and judges, in charge of handling terrorism cases. During the training, 31 officials learned from experts' experiences in investigating, prosecuting and adjudicating terrorism cases, and exchanged best practices and lessons learnt. Read more

UNODC organizes a Scientific conference on addictions in Abidjan

To promote better health access for people suffering from drug abuse disorders, developing alternative and less repressive approaches is critical. To support efforts aimed at preventing drug use, UNODC organized a "Conference on the Prevention and Treatment of Drug Use Disorders in West Africa", from 20 to 21 February 2017, in Abidjan. Read more

Malian authorities seize a kilogram of cocaine in Bamako Airport

The JAITF in Mali, in close cooperation with Mali's OCS (Office Central des Stupéfiants) has recently seized a kilogram of cocaine from a passenger traveling from Latin America, in the form of over 60 cocaine pellets ingested by the suspect before boarding. The AIRCOP program enhances cooperation between international airport authorities. Read more

Countering the funding of Violent Extremism in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa

UNODC organized an interregional workshop for forty-two (42) representatives of twelve (12) countries of the Sahel and the Horn of Africa, in Dakar, Senegal, from 7 to 9 February 2017, to apprehend and better understand violent extremism and its funding sources.A follow up interregional workshop is set to take place in May 2017 in East Africa. Read more

Workshop for criminal justice agencies in charge of terrorism cases in Mauritania

In early February 2017, UNODC organized a workshop in Nouakchott for members of the military confronted to terrorist groups' activity, law enforcement agents, prosecutors and judges, all in charge of handling terrorism cases.The objective was to provide them with a better understanding of each other's work. Read more

Burkina Faso creates a specialized judicial unit against crime and terrorism

In January 2017, Burkinabe legislators passed laws to create and institutionalize specialized judicial units (in French, "Pôle judiciaire spécialisé") to strengthen the fight against transnational organized crime, terrorism and its financing, following the provision of UNODC legal expertise and training, in response to the spike in terrorist activity in 2016. Read more

Mali and UNODC work together to strengthen criminal justice measures against terrorism

UNODC organized, from 17 to 19 January 2017, a national training workshop on interagency cooperation in terrorism cases. Held in Bamako, this workshop was the second in a series of three training activities. The event sought to increase the capacity and readiness of criminal justice officials to cooperate further in cases relating to terrorism.  Read more

UNODC presents the New Regional Programme 2016-2020

The new UNODC Regional Programme for West Africa (2016-2020) was presented, on January 23, 2017 in Dakar, Senegal, in the presence of members of the diplomatic service, during a ceremony chaired by the Special Representative  of the Secretary General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) Mr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas.  Read more

Malian authorities seize cocaine from Latin America

On 25 December 2016, the Joint Airport Interdiction Task Force (JAITF) in Bamako seized 900 grams of cocaine from Latin America. The load had therefore travelled along the 'cocaine route' (from South America to Europe via West Africa). The airport communication program (AIRCOP) is designed specifically to fight against the existence and proliferation of such networks. Read more

Workshop on information sharing in the fight against drug trafficking in Mali

On 12 and 13 December 2016, a workshop on information sharing and enhanced cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking took place in Bamako, Mali, regrouping over 160 participants from various national services.The main objective of the workshop was to ensure better cooperation and exchange of information but also to work towards prevention of drug use as well. Read more

AIRCOP strengthens interdiction capacity at international airports in the Sahel

In October and November 2016, the Joint Airport Interdiction Task Force (JAITF) in Niger was able to seize over 9 kilograms of gold, 500,000 undeclared Euros, and USD 37,000 from three different passengers. This brings the total of seizures conducted by the JAITF in Niger for 2016 to 114 fake Nigerien Passports, a total of over USD 139,000 and over 9 kilograms of gold. Read more

West Africa: Cocaine trafficking and migrant smuggling discussed at prosecutors meeting

The Sixth Plenary Meeting of the West African Network of Central Authorities and Prosecutors (WACAP) was held in Niamey, Niger, on 25 November 2016. Participants discussed and identified approaches to address transnational organized crime and cocaine trafficking along the cocaine route(s) from Latin America through West Africa and on to Europe. Read more

More effective regional cooperation to counteract drug trafficking in West Africa

UNODC, in collaboration with ECOWAS, organized a  "Conference in Support of the Implementation of the ECOWAS Action Plan Against Drug Abuse through more effective Regional Cooperation", on 22-24 November 2016 in Abuja.The conference brought together high-level law enforcement bodies (Police, Gendarmerie, Magistrate, etc.) from ECOWAS member States. International organisations were also represented. Read more

Awareness raising workshop on financial investigations and asset recovery in Mali

An awareness raising workshop on financial investigations and asset recovery was organized by UNODC in Bamako, Mali, from 22 to 24 November 2016. Twenty-three (23) participants representing the Financial Intelligence Unit, the Police, the Gendarmerie, Customs and other competent law enforcement authorities attended this three day workshop. Read more

Nigerien criminal justice officials trained on the treatment of victims and witnesses

UNODC trained thirty-two (32) Nigerien officials representing the Police, the Gendarmerie and judges on the treatment of victims and witnesses from 22 to 24 November 2016, in Niamey, Niger. The participants, who were trained on victimization, whistle-blowers, access to justice, and fair treatment of victims among others, came from various regions of the country. Read more

UNODC strengthens Mauritania's capacity against firearms trafficking

UNODC provided training to 29 national law enforcement and judicial officers on the investigation and prosecution of firearms trafficking and related offences. This activity, held on 7-11 November 2016 in Nouakchott, Mauritania, forms part of UNODC's mandate to provide technical assistance to governments to implement their security strategies. Read more

The G5 Sahel strengthens security cooperation

The G5 Sahel Security Cooperation Platform (PCMS) is a regional security coordination and information exchange mechanism aimed at strengthening capacities to combat terrorism and transnational organized crime. On 8-9 November 2016, UNODC organized an expert meeting on its operationalization, in Nouakchott, Mauritania, to discuss and agree on its functioning. Read more 

UNODC delivers 10 vehicles to Malian law enforcement authorities

In the framework UNODC's long-lasting partnership with Malian authorities, its Regional Office for West and Central Africa delivered 10 off-road vehicles to the Ministry of Internal Security and Civil Protection on 25 October 2016, to the national Police, the national Gendarmerie and the "Office Central des Stupéfiants" (Mali's centralized drug control institution). Read more

An international drug trafficking network dismantled in Mali

In late October 2016, Malian authorities arrested the alleged kingpin behind an international drug trafficking network operating in Mali. The arrest was carried out through efficient cooperation and information exchange between law enforcement agencies in the region, which UNODC facilitated, signalling an increased capacity to counter drug trafficking. Read more

Strengthening the fight against money-laundering and terrorism financing in Niger

From 11 to 13 October 2016, UNODC organized a national workshop for reporting entities on combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism. 29 representatives from financial and non-financial sectors took part to this three-day workshop which aimed at raising awareness on their role in combating money laundering and terrorism financing. Read more

UNODC Regional Representative attends AU Extraordinary Summit on Maritime Security 

Maritime security and safety in Africa is a real problem given the increase in maritime crimes in the waters of the continent. Thus, the African Union in partnership with UNODC, held its first Extraordinary Summit in Togo from 10 to 15 October 2016 on Maritime Security and Safety, and Development in Africa. The summit was dedicated to address several related-maritime insecurity issues.  Read more

UNODC launches two Joint Airport Interdiction Task Forces in Yaoundé and Douala

UNODC and the Government of Cameroon have officially inaugurated Joint Airport Interdiction Task Forces (JAITFs) in the Yaoundé and Douala international Airports on October 6, 2016. These units were created in 2015 by presidential decree as part of the AIRCOP project, implemented by UNODC in partnership with INTERPOL and the World Customs Organization. Read more

UNODC trains specialists to fight Methamphetamine trafficking in Cote d'Ivoire

The Regional Office for West and Central Africa of the United Nations Office against Drugs and Crime (UNODC) organized from 03-07 October 2016 in Abidjan a "Workshop on operational strategies against the diversion of Precursors and trafficking in Methamphetamine." The Training took place in the premises of the National Police Academy and gathered personels of Law enforcement bodies.   Read more

UNODC presents Nelson Mandela Rules to prison administrations in the Sahel

In partnership with Algerian penitentiary authorities, UNODC organized the second sub-regional meeting of the Sahel Prison Administrations on 27-29 September 2016, in Algiers, Algeria. The meeting brought together representatives from countries in the region to review recommendations identified during the first meeting held in Niamey, Niger in 2014. Read more

The ECOWAS Project supports the establishment of an information platform on drug use

To address the gap in epidemiological data on the demand and consumption of drugs, the UNODC organized a "Regional Workshop on The Collection and Analysis of Data on the Use of drugs and the Estimation size of Drug Users Among the General Population" in Dakar between 26-29 of September. Experts of the West African Network on Drug Use discussed on how to build reliable data collection and analysis systems. Read more

Whistle-blower and witness protection in the fight against corruption

From 19 to 21 September 2016, representatives from 12 countries in West Africa gathered in Monrovia, Liberia, to discuss whistle-blower and witness protection in the fight against corruption. The participants adopted the Monrovia Statement on Whistle-blower and Witness Protection, and formulated a list of priority actions and recommendations. Read more

UNODC/ECOWAS jointly launch efforts to support West Africa against drugs and crime

At a special event held on the margins of the 71st General Assembly on 19 september 2016, UNODC and ECOWAS jointly launched launched the new UNODC Regional Programme for West Africa, which capitalizes on the complementarities between the two organizations to step up the fight against international drug trafficking, terrorism, and corruption, among others. Read more

Strengthening the fight against methamphetamine trafficking in Burkina Faso

The UNODC Regional Office for West and Central Africa organized a training in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, from 16 to 19 August 2016, in collaboration with ECOWAS, to strengthen the capacities of Burkinabè authorities with regards to the operational strategies used to fight against illegal methamphetamine trafficking, a growing phenomenon affecting the region. Read more

Regional workshop on counter terrorism financing in Togo

UNODC and the West African Economic and Monetary Union jointly organized a regional workshop in Togo from 16 to 19 August 2016, to strengthen participants' capacities on financial investigative techniques to counter terrorism financing with representatives of Benin, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo. Read more

Strengthening the criminal justice chain against terrorism in Senegal

As part of its contribution to the UN Regional Integrated Strategy for the Sahel and through its Sahel Programme, UNODC's office for West and Central Africa (ROSEN) held a training workshop, from 26 to 28 July 2016, for Senegalese judges, prosecutors and law enforcement agents in charge of terrorism cases, financed by the Government of the Netherlands. Read more

Anti-corruption teachings in universities on the right track in Burkina Faso

From 26 to 28 July 2016, UNODC and UNESCO organized a workshop on the integration of anti-corruption teachings at the university level in Burkina Faso. During the event, participants discussed the way in which the different modules of the Anti-corruption Academic Initiative's course could be introduced in already existing courses. Read more

UNODC supports Sahel States' efforts against foreign terrorist fighters

UNODC organized a regional workshop with representatives of the Sahel countries, the EU, Interpol, Japan and experts from Spain and Portugal from 26 to 28 July 2016 in Dakar, Senegal. This workshop aimed to reinforce border control efforts to counter foreign terrorist fighters, a growing security concern for countries in the region. Read more

International Nelson Mandela day: UNODC visits detention centers in Senegal

To commemorate this day, celebrated on the 18th of July, a delegation of the UNODC Regional Office for West and Central Africa (ROSEN) visited the women's detention establishment and the men's prison of Dakar and officially distributed the "United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners" also known as the Nelson Mandela Rules. Read more

A UNODC delegation visits Bangui, Central African Republic

A UNODC delegation led by the Regional Representative for West and Central Africa, Mr. Pierre Lapaque, met with Central African authorities in Bangui, Central African Republic, from 16 until 23 of July 2016 to analyze the security and justice sectors, and determine the UNODC contribution to the efforts undertaken by other actors to rebuild these sectors. Read more

Network of Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA) gathers in Benin

The GA of the NACIWA gathered in Cotonou, Benin from 13 to 15 July 2016 with UNODC support. Hosted by the National Anti-Corruption Commission of Benin and under the auspices of H.E. the President of Benin, Mr. Patrice Talon, the GA brought together representatives of anti-corruption authorities and delegates from ECOWAS, UNODC and civil society. Read more

UNODC and MINUSMA deliver training against international drug trafficking in Mali

From 20 June to 1 July 2016, the UNODC Regional Office for West and Central Africa organized a training workshop on investigative techniques against international drug trafficking in Bamako, Mali, in collaboration with MINUSMA, in the framework of the project "Support to ECOWAS Regional Action Plan on drug trafficking, organized crime and drug abuse in West Africa." Read more

UNODC launches its 2016 World Drug Report

To raise awareness about drug trafficking and consumption trends across the world, and particularly in the region, the UNODC Regional Office for West and Central Africa organized a press conference at the United Nations Information Centre in Dakar, Senegal, on 23 June 2016, bringing together several national and international media outlets. Read more

UNODC strenghtens Burkina Faso's criminal justice system on terrorism

The UNODC Regional Office for West and Central Africa (ROSEN) held a national training workshop, from 13 to 23 June 2016, in Burkina Faso for national criminal justice and law enforcement officials of in charge of terrorism cases. This workshop, the first of a series of three, was destined to the members that will likely make up the new counter-terrorism unit in the country. Read more

Strengthening the protection of children associated with violent extremist groups

From 1 to 3 June 2016, security, justice and child welfare professionals and experts from the Sahel region met in Dakar, Senegal, to analyze the growing phenomenon of children associated with violent extremist groups, and to identify the root causes and the consequences of children's exploitation to strengthen legal responses against this phenomenon. Read more

Malian authorities make record seizures following UNODC specialized training

Malian law enforcement authorities recently seized a record amount of illicit drugs, confiscating over 2.7 tons of cannabis herb in Bamako, Mali, in May 2016. This seizure represents one of the many results brought about by UNODC's efforts to strengthen the capacities of national authorities to counter drug trafficking and transnational organized crime in the region. Read more

UNODC trains 15 trainers to step up the fight against international drug trafficking in Niger

The UNODC Regional Office conducted a training for trainers from 30 May to 2 June 2016 in Niamey, Niger, to strengthen field units mandated to fight against international drug trafficking. The training, which is the first of its kind as part of the ECOWAS support project plan, was held in the premises of the Niamey Police Academy and was attended by fifteen professionals. Read more

UNODC is finalizing its Regional Programme for West Africa (2016-2020)

UNODC invited experts and representatives from ECOWAS, its member States, Mauritania and UNOWAS to a high level consultation meeting in Dakar on 30 and 31 May 2016. In the spirit of strengthening the existing strong partnership, the main purpose of the meeting was to identify the challenges and strategic goals of the coming Regional Program.  Read more 

UNODC enhances investigative capacity on terrorism in Niger

UNODC's office for West and Central Africa (ROSEN) in collaboration with the government of Niger provided a training workshop to 33 judges, prosecutors, police officers, gendarmes and national guards from 24 to 27 May 2016 in Niamey, Niger. This workshop aimed to reinforce their ability to conduct investigations of terrorism-related cases. Read more

UNODC launches train-the-trainer programme on international legal assistance

UNODC delivered two train-the-trainer regional workshops in Ghana (4-15 April 2016) and Nigeria (9-20 May 2016), bringing together 37 magistrates, judicial officers and representatives of law enforcement agencies from the Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone, to strengthen their capacities regarding international criminal matters and cooperation. Read more

Coumba Gawlo raises voice against trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants

The UNODC Regional Office for West and Central Africa introduced its new National Goodwill Ambassador against trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants for the year 2016 - the notorious Senegalese singer and activist Coumba Gawlo Seck - during a ceremony held on 19 May 2016 at the United Nations information Centre in Dakar, Senegal. Read more

A step forward against money laundering and terrorist financing in Mali

In March 2016, Mali adopted a new anti-money laundering and counter financing of terrorism law detailing the obligations of national reporting entities. In this context, UNODC organized an awareness raising workshop in Bamako from 17 May to 19 May 2016. The event brought together 23 reporting entities to increase their knowledge and understanding of this new law. Read more

UNODC supports the XXIII anniversary of the Judicial Police of Cabo Verde

On 12 May 2016, UNODC participated in the conference ''Transnational organized crime, terrorism and drug trafficking: Actual situation and challenges of Cape Verde" organized in the framework of the 23rd anniversary of the Cape Verdean Judicial Police. UNODC delivered a presentation on drug trafficking and its impact on Cape Verde. Read more

UNODC promotes the protection of victims and witnesses in the Sahel

UNODC organized a validation meeting of the draft model law on the protection of victims and witnesses for Sahel countries in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso from 18 to 20 April 2016. The model law was subsequently validated by the representatives, and will act as a guiding tool for states in drafting and/or adopting the necessary legislation. Read more

Burkina Faso adopts law against foreign terrorist fighters

In December 2015, the Government of Burkina Faso adopted an updated counter-terrorism law that features provisions to address the threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters. UNODC played a direct role in this adoption through various workshops, and by providing legal drafting expertise. Today, UNODC keeps on delivering such workshops in Burkina Faso. Read more

UNODC sets a way forward to fight organized crime and terrorism in the Sahel

Terrorism, drugs, illicit trafficking, organized crime and corruption are both recurrent and interrelated phenomena jeopardizing peace and security in the Sahel region. The UNODC Sahel Programme organized its first Steering Committee Meeting on 12 and 13 April 2016 in Dakar, Senegal, to set a precise direction for its future priorities alongside national and regional partners. Read more

Penitentiary authorities in Niger integrate the concept of "dynamic security"

The struggle  against violent extremist groups in Mali and Nigeria resulted in the arrest of several members accused or suspected of being affiliated with these groups, currently held in prisons in Niger. To face consequent challenges, UNODC has organized a workshop on dynamic security in prisons. The workshop was held from 5 to 7 April 2016 in Niamey, Niger.  Read more

West African judicial and maritime authorities exchange on pirates hand-over agreements

In the Gulf of Guinea, home to some of the biggest offshore oilfields in the world, maritime crime is on the rise. However, prosecution for piracy in the region is virtually absent. From 14 to 16 March 2016, UNODC brought together prosecutors, judges and policy legal experts from the region in Abuja, Nigeria, to elaborate a strategy against maritime crime. Read more

UNODC and Senegalese municipalities unite against child exploitation

UNODC organized, in partnership with civil society organizations, a march on 3 March 2016 to commemorate the death of 9 talibés in Medina on 3 March 2013. More than a 1,000 people walked in the streets to say "NO" to the exploitation of children through forced begging and encourage the public to advocate for the eradication of forced child begging in Senegal. Read more

The Dakar Joint Port Control Unit seizes over USD 380,000 in counterfeit medicine

In the framework of the joint WCO-UNODC Container Control Programme (CCP), the Joint Port Control Unit (JPCU) of the Dakar seaport seized over USD 380,000 in counterfeit medicine in early 2016. This operation represents a tangible improvement for both national authorities and the region at large, which has increasingly fallen victim to illicit trafficking of all sorts. Read more

The Republic of Guinea reiterates commitment to fight against drug trafficking

Guinea-Conakry is one of the countries located on the drug trafficking route between Latin America and Europe. To reiterate the support of UNODC in the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime, the Regional Representative, Mr. Pierre Lapaque, undertook a mission to Conakry to meet with Guinean high-level authorities from 7 to 11 February 2016. Read more

UNODC supports Nigeria on fighting piracy and maritime crime

On 19-22 January 2016, UNODC trained more than 30 Nigerian participants on international legal frameworks against piracy and maritime crime. The workshop built the capacity of relevant officers connected with investigating, prosecuting and adjudication of piracy and maritime-related offences, and at forging regional cooperation among nations in the Gulf of Guinea.  Read More

The UNODC Sahel Programme delivers across the region

Since it began its implementation in January 2014, the UNODC Sahel Programme has so far implemented 186 activities and has reached more than 5,700 direct beneficiaries. These efforts generated concrete results across the region on terrorism prevention, anti-corruption, border management and improving judicial systems and law enforcement agencies. Read more

UNODC strengthens firearms marking capacity in West Africa

Among the security challenges affecting the West Africa region, firearms trafficking is of crucial importance. A sub-regional workshop on marking, the maintenance of related marking equipment, and the registration of firearms took place from 4 to 8 January 2016 in Cotonou, Bénin, allowing some twenty experts from the region to reinforce their technical and operational abilities. Read more

First Mobile eLearning Unit delivered in Africa

The UNODC Regional Office for West and Central Africa (ROSEN), in collaboration with the Global eLearning Programme, delivered the first Mobile eLearning Unit in Africa. The equipment was handed over to the Liberian Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) on 8 December 2015, along with a specialized training session on their use. Read more

UNODC urges parliaments in the region to invest in anti-corruption

On the occasion of the International Anti-Corruption Day, which, every 9 December, celebrates the anniversary of the United Nations Convention against Corruption adopted in 2004, the UNODC Regional Representative for West and Central Africa, Mr. Pierre Lapaque, issued a statement urging parliaments in West and Central Africa to invest in anti-corruption. Read more

WACI: Fighting drug trafficking and transnational organized crime in West Africa

To address the multitude of issues related to Transnational Organized Crime in the region, the West Africa Coast Initiative (WACI) implementing partners organized the third Programme Advisory Committee meeting on 23 November 2015, in Bissau, bringing together several representatives from international, regional and national institutions. Read more

The G5 Sahel and the international community unite against crime and terrorism

From 18 to 20 November 2015, the G5 Heads of State Summit was held in N'Djamena, Chad. Bringing together Heads of State of Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger, as well as many partners and experts from around the world, the meeting resulted in, among others, the launch of the institution's Security Cooperation Platform. Read more

Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea: Learning from the Seychellois prosecution model

Several representatives working in the legal systems of Ghana, Sao Tome and Principe and Togo met in Victoria, Seychelles from 19 to 20 October 2015 to compare their institutional frameworks and learn lessons from the Seychellois system, which has successfully implemented a piracy prosecution model, serving as an example in the matter. Read more

Police forces of Sahel States commit to the fight against corruption

UNODC organized a regional workshop focused on the police and the fight against corruption in the Sahel in Niamey, Niger, on 13 and 14 October 2015, in order to strengthen national and regional cooperation between the different authorities charged with leading the fight against the crime and increasing integrity within the respective police forces. Read more

Updated criminal code in Gabon legislates against piracy and maritime crime

A UNODC coordination meeting brought together judges, prosecutors and legal experts from West Africa to examine the legal challenges facing Benin, Gabon, Nigeria and Togo in their struggles against maritime crime. The event, held in Libreville from 6 to 8 October 2015, saw the adoption of a new Criminal Code by Gabon that legislates against maritime crime. Read more

UNODC promotes security cooperation between G5 Sahel States

On the 6 and 7 October 2015, UNODC experts and representatives from G5 Sahel States met in Bamako in the context of a workshop regarding the creation of institutional cooperation mechanisms in the field of security. The event aimed at finalizing the legal framework governing both the functioning and organization of said mechanisms. Read more

UNODC assists Sahel States to counter foreign terrorist fighters

In order to examine the legal and operational frameworks with regard to the fight against foreign terrorist fighters, UNODC organized a conference in Dakar, Senegal between 29 September and 1 October 2015. The workshop brought together representatives from Sahel countries and experts from regional, national and international organizations. Read more

UNODC efforts improve drug field testing capacity and regional cooperation

From 30 September to 1 October 2015, front line law enforcement officers combating illicit drug trafficking in West Africa have been trained and equipped to identify illicit drugs and their precursors using UNODC field test kits. The event, held in Accra, Ghana, brought together 45 law enforcement officers from 13 countries across the region. Read more

170 kg of drugs seized during an AIRCOP joint operation

An operation targeting drug trafficking from Latin America to Europe via Africa has resulted in the seizure of nearly 170 kilogrammes of drugs worth an estimated EUR 10 million, as well as gold coins and stolen credit cards. This joint AIRCOP operation involved Interpol, Europol and the World Customs Organization, as well as multiple international airports. Read more

Specialized training for Mali and Niger against migrant smuggling and human trafficking

UNODC organized two successive training sessions in Bamako from 14-18 September 2015, and Niamey from 28 September to 02 October 2015, bringing together 40 instructors from the two countries' police academies and gendarmeries. These specialized sessions aimed to strengthen the participants' capacities to fight migrant smuggling and human trafficking. Read more

CCP supports the implementation of a Joint Port Control Unit in Mali

UNODC organized a workshop in Bamako, Mali from 7-18 September 2015. This training represented the first step towards the implementation of the CCP, and provided to twenty participants from Mali's law enforcement agencies the opportunity to take advantage of targeting techniques used in the fight against illicit traffic of goods via containers.  Read more

Enhancing container controls at ports to fight wildlife crimes

UNODC organized a workshop in Accra, Ghana, from 25 to 27 August 2015 and in Dakar, Senegal, from 31 August to 2 September 2015. With the objective of providing training for national law enforcement agencies to better fight wildlife crime through the control of maritime containers, this activity was led by experts from UNODC and its partners.  Read more

UNODC works with Central Africa in combating wildlife and forest crime

Recognizing the growing commitment to tackle illegal trafficking of wildlife and timber, UNODC's Global Programme for Combating Wildlife and Forest Crime organized the first regional workshop of Central African States on strengthening border controls to address illicit wildlife and forest crime, in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, from 31 August to 2 September 2015.  Read more

CCP Women's Network highlights West Africa as an example

On 25 August 2015, the UNODC- WCO Container Control Programme met in Vienna, Austria, to launch its new Women's Network initiative. This meeting gathered women working in the Programme and allowed them to discuss how to operationalize the Women's Network within the scope of UNODC's effort towards gender equality and woman empowerment.  Read more

UNODC presents legal aid strategy in Mali

UNODC, in partnership with the Ministry of Justice of Mali, organized a validation meeting of the national legal aid strategy. The objective of the meeting, which took place on 26 and 27 August 2015 in Bamako, was to present stakeholders the objectives, the content and the ways of implementation of the strategy. Read more

Launch of UNODC Regional Strategy against human trafficking and migrant smuggling

UNODC has developed a holistic Regional Strategy covering twenty-two West and Central African countries to meet the challenges raised by trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants. The Strategy was launched on 25 August in Dakar, Senegal, with the participation of various partners including ECOWAS, ECCAS and civil society. Read more

Burkina Faso aims to strengthen its national anti-corruption institution

Two workshops were held on 6-7 July and 17-18 August 2015 in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, to amend the texts governing its main anti-corruption institution. The main objective was to update and validate the constitution of the " Autorité Supérieure de Contrôle d'Etat" in order to increase efficiency and effectiveness in Burkina Faso's fight against corruption. Read More

UNODC convenes West African legal experts to confront maritime crime

Two meetings organised by the UNODC on 16 and 28-30 July brought together legal officials from five countries in West Africa to confront the legal challenges posed by piracy and maritime crime in the region. Representatives from France and the European Union attended the coordination meetings in Nigeria and Togo, which were financed by the United States. Read More

UNODC trains Malian criminal justice officials on the treatment of victims and witnesses

To support the efforts of the Sahel countries to improve the treatment of victims and witnesses, UNODC is carrying out national trainings in each country of the region. The first country to benefit from this initiative was Mali, where UNODC trained 38 criminal justice officials from 4 to 6 August 2015. Participants were representing the police, the gendarmerie and judges.  Read More

Mali assesses its national anti-corruption legislation

While Mali ratified the United Nations Convention against Corruption on 18 April 2008, its self-assessment, delayed by armed conflicts, took place between 28-31 July 2015 during a workshop supported by UNODC. Among those present were the Minister of Labour of Mali, Ms Diarra Raky Talla, and the Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Mr Mahamadou Diarra. Read More

UNODC workshop in Lomé reinforces the fight against maritime crime

As part of its Global Maritime Crime Programme, UNODC organized a workshop in Lomé, Togo, on 6-9 July 2015. The workshop brought together judges and prosecutors from West Africa and focused on improving legal reform in regard to maritime crime. Among those present during the inauguration ceremony was the Minister of Justice of Togo. Read More

West and Central African journalists meet to establish CENOZO

On 8-9 July 2015, UNODC brought together eighteen journalists from West and Central Africa to formally establish the Norbert Zongo Cell for Investigative Journalism in West Africa. CENOZO will aim to actively promote investigative journalism in West Africa on topics such as corruption, organized crime, bad governance, and violations of human rights. Read More

UNODC uses film to change social norms

In Celebration of the Day of the African Child on 16 June, UNODC and the Senegalese National Task Force against trafficking in persons launched a one hour movie, directed by film maker Adam Sie, at the Daniel Sorano National Theater in Dakar, Senegal. Le Cheval Blanc depicts the hardships, dangers and exploitation faced by street begging children in the capital. Read More

Drug awareness and mobilization week in Mali and Senegal

For the 28th edition of Senegal's "Drug awareness and mobilization week", as well as for the launch of the World Drug Report 2015, UNODC organized a series of events with local governmental and civil society partners during the month of June 2015. Among these were a drug incineration ceremony and visits at two different drug rehabilitation facilities in Dakar. Read More

Guinea assesses its national anti-corruption legislation with UNODC support

Guinea's National Anti-Corruption Agency, currently established by decree, as been described as relying on a thin legal basis. Furthermore, the Guinean penal code has yet to align itself with the UN Convention against Corruption. In this context, Guinea initiated a self-assessment during a workshop that took place on 27-29 May 2015.  Read More

Sahel countries draft model law on victim and witness protection

There is currently a legal vacuum for victim and witness protection in the Sahel countries. UNODC, in collaboration with the ministries of justice of the Sahel countries, organized on 9-11 June 2015 in Niamey, Niger, a meeting to begin the process of a  "Draft  model law on the assistance and protection of victims and witnesses of crime for the Sahel countries."  Read More

NACIWA adopts a new constitution

On 8-9 June 2015, a general assembly of the Network of Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa took place in Bamako, Mali. The meeting aimed to amend its constitution and explore the linkages between drug trafficking, organized crime and corruption. Representatives from anti-corruption institutions, the African Development Bank and UNODC were present. Read More

Launch of the AIRCOP Project in Cameroon

As part of the implementation of the AIRCOP Project in Cameroon, aimed at curbing illicit trafficking, UNODC launched the initial training of the Joint Airport Interdiction Task Forces agents on 1-12 June in Douala and Yaoundé. Among the attendees were representatives from the European Union, INTERPOL, as well as agents from Cameroon's Customs and Gendarmerie forces. Read More

UNODC and CAMES initiative introduces the anti-corruption agenda in African universities

Acknowledging the destabilizing effects brought along by corruption, UNODC met on 2-4 June 2015 with university teachers from West and Central Africa in Doha, Qatar. During the workshop, participants explored various ways of integrating the anti-corruption agenda into the curricula of African universities. The workshop was the result of a partnership between UNODC and a number of knowledge driven institutions. Read More

UNODC commits to supporting Côte d'Ivoire against transnational organized crime 

Due to its central geographical position in West Africa and the porosity of its borders, Côte d'Ivoire is particularly vulnerable to various forms of illicit trafficking. In this context, UNODC undertook a mission to Abidjan, from 8 to 10 June 2015, in order to raise awareness on the issues relevant to its mandate and increase its partnership with the country's main institutional actors.  Read More

UNODC assists Senegal in its fight against money-laundering

In recent years, West Africa has become one of the most important poles of transnational organized crime and money-laundering. In this context, UNODC delivered an intensive training which ended on 22 May in Dakar on financial investigation to Senegalese law enforcement authorities, built around training modules, workshops, thematic sessions and practical exercises.  Read More

Nigerien authorities collaborate with UNODC in their fight against corruption

Corruption in the Sahel region is both a cause and a consequence of a range of criminal activities. As the guardian of the United Nations Convention against Corruption, UNODC collaborated with HALCIA, Niger's official anti-corruption body, by providing a series of workshops and recommendations aimed at fighting corruption. The activities took place on 5-11 May 2015. Read More

Migrant smuggling and human trafficking in the Sahel tops UNODC workshop agenda

In order to tackle human rights violations and the death toll related to human trafficking and migrant smuggling, UNODC organized on 18-21 May a training workshop with the police and gendarmerie academies of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. The workshop was described by the participants as a necessary instrument to strengthen the response capacity of police officers on the ground. Read More

UNODC strengthens Niger's investigation and prosecution capacity of terrorism-related cases

From 12 to 15 May, UNODC organized a national training workshop to strengthen Nigerien officials' investigation and prosecution capacity of terrorism-related cases. The activity was delivered to Nigerien magistrates and judicial police officers, especially those residing outside the capital, to solidify their knowledge of anti-terrorist investigation techniques and related international instruments. Read More

Niger becomes the first Sahel country to legislate against migrant smuggling

In recent months, there has been a significant increase in the number of people trying to reach European coasts as a result of conflict or lack of opportunity in their country of origin. As a response to rising security and humanitarian concerns in the region, the Nigerien government drafted a law against migrant smuggling with technical and financial assistance from UNODC. The law was adopted on 11 May 2015. Read More

UNODC commits to support the G5 Sahel to combat terrorism and radicalization

The Interior Ministers of the G5 Sahel Member States met on 14 May 2015 in Niamey, Niger, to intensify their cooperation in the fight against organized crime, terrorism and radicalization in the Sahel region. The G5 Sahel, comprising of Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger, is an institutional framework created in December 2014 to coordinate development and security policies of the region.  Read More

A newly established Canine Unit to enhance drugs detection capacities of Cabo Verde

A joint UNODC - European Union delegation visited the new Canine Unit of Praia's airport Joint Airport Interdiction Task Force, in Cabo Verde, which is fully operational since March. All three dogs (Fly, Edison and Inca), donated by Italy, are deployed daily in the capital's airport in search for suspicious cargo and luggage, strengthening the country's drug detection capacities. Read More

African Union leaders agree to strengthen the fight against wildlife and forest crime

On 27-30 April, the International Conference on Illegal Exploitation and Illicit Trade in Wild Fauna and Flora in Africa was held in Brazzaville, in the Republic of Congo. Bringing together a number of African heads of state and high level representatives, the meeting culminated in the adoption of a common strategy to strengthen the fight against wildlife and forest crime. Read More

UNODC and DPKO collaborate to strengthen law enforcement in Mali

A series of events jointly organized between UNODC, MINUSMA and UNPOL provided Malian security forces with training on the issues of terrorism, organized crime and gender-based violence. UNODC and DPKO staff in Mali collaborate in every aspect of these activities, from carrying out assessments to designing and implementing training workshops and curricula. Read More

UNODC promotes deradicalization and reintegration for detainees in Niger

On 28-30 April, UNODC organized an interdisciplinary workshop on the safety of high-risk detainees to support the review of the national plan for the reintegration of prisoners. Attended by representatives from various ministries, the meeting sought to strengthen the conceptual framework of prisoners' rehabilitation, preparation before release and community support. Read More

 

 

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