The African Union’s Continental Operational Centre (COC) concluded a two-day (19-20 December) strategic planning meeting in Kampala, Uganda, where it developed a comprehensive five-year strategy to address the complex challenges of trafficking in persons (TIP) and smuggling of migrants (SOM).

Speaking at the opening of the meeting, the Director of the Continental Operational Centre, Advocate Maemo Machethe, emphasized the urgency of coordinated efforts in tackling irregular migration. “Irregular migration is not just an African problem; it is a global crisis that demands collective solutions. This strategic plan will serve as a blueprint to strengthen collaboration among Member States, improve information sharing, and enhance our capacity to combat transnational organized crimes,” the Director remarked.

Irregular migration remains a pressing issue, with smugglers and traffickers exploiting vulnerable populations along various migration routes. The Southern Route toward Southern Africa, the Northern Route to North Africa and Europe, and the East and Horn of Africa Route toward the Middle East and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries have become hotspots for TIP and SOM activities.

The COC, established by the African Union Assembly in 2019, is tasked with leading the fight against irregular migration through policy development, capacity building, and fostering coordination among AU Member States. This strategic planning meeting marks a key step in the Centre’s mission, ensuring its programs align with international frameworks that seek to prevent and eradicate trafficking in persons.

The technical lead for the COC, Mr. Geoffrey Wafula, highlighted the significance of the meeting, stating, “This is a unique opportunity to align our efforts with recent policies and to institutionalize mechanisms for information exchange among law enforcement agencies, regional economic communities, and international partners. We are committed to creating actionable solutions that have a tangible impact on the ground.”

Experts, drawn from Afripol, Interpol, AU organs, civil society and academia, crafted a clear vision, mission, and set of values for the COC. Key priorities include the operationalization of the center, information sharing and intelligence exchange, capacity building and training of member states and other stake holders, partnerships and stakeholder coordination, as well as awareness and advocacy.

“This strategic plan will not only address the immediate challenges of TIP and SOM but will also provide a foundation for sustainable migration governance across the continent,” Mr. Wafula added.

Experts also underscored their commitment to fostering cooperation to address the root causes of irregular migration, from conflict and climate change to economic disparities. By engaging with experts from diverse sectors, the COC aims to ensure that its strategic plan is inclusive, actionable, and forward-thinking.

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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