The African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation (AFRIPOL) successfully convened the Sixth Meeting of the Heads of National Liaison Offices (NLOs) in Algiers, Algeria, from 2 to 4 December 2025. Organized in line with Article 11 of the AFRIPOL Statute. The meeting was attended by m more than forty AU Member States delegates, alongside representatives from AU-CTC, the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS), the AU Office of the Legal Counsel (OLC), China and INTERPOL.

The AFRIPOL Secretariat led the proceedings, which served as a key platform for reviewing progress, strengthening coordination, and advancing continental police cooperation. Participants examined updates on major AFRIPOL initiatives, including the AFSECOM secure communication system, the AFRIPOL eLearning Platform, and the Continental Data Centre. Delegates noted significant progress in digital connectivity, training accessibility and data-driven policing capabilities, underscoring the value of these tools in enhancing Member States’ responses to transnational organized crime, terrorism, cybercrime and related security threats.

In support of national capacities, AFRIPOL delivered to all National Liaison Offices an all-in-one computer systems to reinforce technical readiness and improve the effective use of AFRIPOL digital platforms. Member States expressed appreciation to the Secretariat for this tangible contribution toward strengthening NLO operations and standardizing essential equipment across the continent.

Reflecting on these advancements, the Ag Executive Director of AFRIPOL, Mr. Jalel Chelba stated: “This meeting once again demonstrates the unwavering commitment of our Member States to strengthening continental police cooperation. The National Liaison Offices remain at the heart of AFRIPOL’s operational architecture, and their leadership and engagement are essential as we advance our institutional reform and deploy modern tools to enhance security across Africa. AFRIPOL will continue to stand with Member States in building resilient, coordinated and effective police responses to evolving security challenges on our Continent.”

Delegates jointly reaffirmed the imperative of advancing the AFRIPOL Institutional Reform Process, recognizing its importance for enhancing AFRIPOL’s legal and organizational status within the AU architecture. They confirmed their commitment to supporting the adoption of AFRIPOL’s Reform Structure at the upcoming AU policy meetings and highlighted the need for strengthened cooperation and interoperability at national, regional and continental levels.

The meeting also discussed the implementation of the already-approved NLO–NCB Cooperation Guidelines. Delegates examined practical modalities for operationalizing the Guidelines at national level, including harmonizing workflows, improving coordination mechanisms and ensuring complementarity between AFRIPOL and INTERPOL systems such as AFSECOM and I-24/7, while recognizing their distinct mandates.

Participants further requested enhanced access to AFRIPOL’s eLearning Platform, including direct visibility over national training participation and information resources, and called for targeted capacity-building support to optimize the use of the platform. They also recommended improving operational reporting following joint operations, strengthening national forensic capacities through AFRIPOL’s regional hubs, and standardizing Member State participation criteria for AFRIPOL-led operations such as OTAPI.

Commenting on these developments, the Head of AFRIPOL’s Training and Capacity Building Division Dr. Benaired Mohamed noted:

“The progress we have achieved in digital platforms, training delivery and national coordination reflects the collective determination of our Member States to enhance their policing capabilities. Providing NLOs with equipment and strengthening their access to AFRIPOL tools are important steps toward a more interoperable and professional continental policing community. We remain committed to supporting NLOs with the training, systems and operational frameworks they need to fulfil their strategic mandate.”

The meeting concluded with a strong reaffirmation of AFRIPOL’s commitment to supporting Member States in strengthening policing institutions, deepening cross-border collaboration, and enhancing collective preparedness against evolving security challenges. Delegates emphasized the critical role of the NLO network as a cornerstone of continental police cooperation and acknowledged the contributions of key partners, including Africain Union entities, INTERPOL and China.

AFRIPOL leadership expressed high appreciation to the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria for hosting the meeting and for its longstanding support to AFRIPOL’s mandate. National media outlets, including Algerian television, covered parts of the proceedings, contributing to increased public awareness of AFRIPOL’s work and achievements.

For further information please contact:
Dr. Mohamed Benaired | Head, Training & Capacity Building Division | African Union Commission
Tel: +251 115 517 700 | E-mail: Benairedm@africanunion.org | Alger, Algérie.

Media Contact:
Mrs. Esther Tankou | Head, Media and Information Division | Directorate of Information and Communication, AUC and Communication Advisor of the Permanent Observer Mission of the AU to the UN | Tel. +1347812 7195 | E-mail: yamboue@africanunion.org