With Kenya having just settled in her prestigious position as member of the coveted United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the next two years, the streak of good luck on the international security sector continues with the recent unanimous election to the august position of the Presidency of the General Assembly of Africa Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation (AFRIPOL). 

 

Under the leadership of H.E Hilary Mutyambai, MGH, nsc (AU), the President AFRIPOL General Assembly, Kenya once more gains the enviable pole position of shaping the continental policing discourse, with the determination of promoting peace and security in the continent.

 

AFRIPOL is a structured membership of law enforcement agencies of 166 member countries operating under the auspices of the African Union (AU) as an organ to promote peace and security. Its motto is ‘Silencing the Guns’, an acknowledgement of the role played by pervasive effects of proliferation of illegal arms and ammunition which are drivers of conflicts and war on the continent. 

 

H.E Hilary Mutyambai echoed the motto, making it his priority agenda to define his tenure. During his inaugural visit to Algiers, Algeria, the headquarters of AFRIPOL, he unveiled his vision, including but not limited to fostering more advocacy amongst member countries in order to create synergy towards the ideals of AFRIPOL; mainstreaming focus in tackling organized crime; and more law enforcement cooperation amongst member countries as a countermeasure to transnational organized crime. 

 

The AFRIPOL General Assembly President paid glowing tribute to the Secretariat, led by Dr. Tarek Sharif, including the great foundation laid by his predecessor, H.E Abdelkader Kara Bouhadba, the Director-General of the Algerian National Police.