Habari za asubuhi, asalamaleku

• Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, Second Vice President, Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar;
• HE Eng. Hamad Masauni, Minister of Home Affairs, Government of Tanzania;
• Harus S. Suleiman, Minister of State, First Vice President’s Office, Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar ;
• Government of Zanzibar;
• HE Kgalema Motlanthe, Former President of South Africa and the Eastern and Southern Africa Commission on Drugs (ESACD) Chair ;
• HE Joakim Chissano, Former President of the Republic of Mozambique, ESACD Commissioner ;
• Distinguished Commissioners of ESACD;
• Régional Commissioner Idrissa Mustafa ;
• HE Maria Rosa Sabbatelli, Head of Unit, Global and Transregional Threats and Challenges, Service for Foreign Policy Instruments, European Commission ;
• HE Dr Jim James Yonazi, Permanent Secretary, PMO’s Office, Government of Tanzania ;
• My sister and friend HE Naimi Hamza Aziz, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Tanzania to the United Nations in Vienna;
• Distinguished participants;
• Ladies and Gentlemen all protocol duly observed.

First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Government and the people of Zanzibar for the warm and very fraternal welcome that has been given to us since our arrival in the beautiful city of Zanzibar.

Thanks to the orgnizers for inviting to attend to

I am glad to address today distinguished gathering at the third High-Level Consultation meeting organized by the Eastern and Southern Africa Commission on Drugs, here in Zanzibar.

Our two day meeting is very important, as we seek durable solutions to eradicate the multiple challenges our region continues to face, posed by drug trafficking and abuse.

Our discussions on regional drug reform trends, reducing maritime drug trafficking, enhancing law enforcement strategies, and establishing a Regional Drug Observatory are fundamental to our shared security interest and development objectives.

The African Union remains resolute in its strategic commitment to addressing the persistent threat of drug trafficking and abuse on our continent. Our efforts are guided by the African Union Plan of Action on Drug Control and Crime Prevention (2019-2025) which prioritizes evidence-based approaches, regional cooperation, and sustainable intervention models. The main objective is to improve the health, security and socio-economic well-being of the people of Africa by addressing drug trafficking and problematic drug use in all its forms and manifestations and preventing the onset of drug use.

Maritime routes have increasingly become conduits for the trafficking of illicit drugs into and across our continent. The strategic location of our coastal states has made them vulnerable to these illegal and criminal activities, necessitating enhanced regional cooperation and unified maritime security. 

In response, the African Union has been working closely with member states to strengthen maritime law enforcement. We have supported initiatives aimed at improving port security, enhancing the capacity of our maritime securities, and fostering intelligence sharing among nation states especially coastal nations. These efforts are already bearing fruit, with several successful interdictions of drug shipments on our waters. However, we must remain vigilant and continue to build on these successes to safeguard our shores.

Effective law enforcement is central to our fight against drug trafficking. The African Union has been at the forefront of promoting coordinated law enforcement strategies across the continent. In collaboration with regional organizations and international partners, we have facilitated the sharing of best practices, training, and resources to bolster the capacity of our law enforcement agencies.

The establishment of the African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation (AFRIPOL) has provided a platform for enhancing cross-border cooperation in combating drug-related crimes. AFRIPOL’s initiatives have been instrumental in disrupting drug trafficking networks and apprehending key operatives. But more needs to be done to address the evolving tactics of traffickers, particularly in the realm of cybercrime and the use of new technologies.

One of the key tools in our arsenal against drug trafficking and abuse is the Pan African Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (PAENDU). This network serves as a sentinel surveillance system, providing vital data on drug trends across the continent. The insights gathered through this network have been crucial in shaping our policies and interventions.

According to the most recent report from the PAENDU, the quantities of drugs seized in the region have increased by 20% over the past year, reflecting both the scale of the problem and the effectiveness of our enforcement efforts. Additionally, the report highlights that the number of individuals arrested for drug-related offenses has risen by 15%, from 2016-2021, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and enhanced judicial processes to ensure that those involved in drug trafficking are effectively arrested and prosecuted.

Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

For our future, the establishment of a Regional Drug Observatory is imperative. Our commitment to supporting this initiative is of utmost importance as it will serve as a hub for data collection, analysis, and dissemination, enabling us to better understand the dynamics of drug trafficking and abuse in our region. By centralizing information, the Observatory will enhance our ability to respond to emerging trends, identify hotspots, and allocate resources where they are most needed.

The Observatory will play a critical role in fostering regional and international cooperation, ensuring that our strategies are informed by the latest intelligence and best practices.

In closing, I would like to reiterate the African Union’s unwavering commitment to addressing the challenges posed by drug trafficking and abuse. Congratulations to the ESACD in your fight against illicit drugs.

Let us use this meeting as an opportunity to reaffirm our dedication and take decisive action to protect our nations from the scourge of drugs. Together, we can build a continent where our people can live free from the threat of drug-related harm.

Thank you.

Asante Sana.