AU to establish center to curb transnational organized crime

The African Union (AU) has escalated efforts to establish a continental operational center in Sudan to curb transnational organized crimes.

Known as Khartoum Centre, the continental operational center’s establishment in Sudan was endorsed by the AU in February 2019 before it was formally approved by the Ordinary Session of Heads of State and Government in February 2020.

The inaugural meeting to discuss modalities to set up the center is underway in Victoria Falls, with the AU saying the setting up of the Khartoum Centre is long overdue as a result of an upsurge in transnational organized crime and irregular migration on the continent.

“As you are aware, the Khartoum Centre will bring together law enforcement agencies in member states in the fight against TOC and irregular migration. It is therefore imperative that right at the beginning of operationalizing this center, we as a commission come back to the primary stakeholders of this center to consult on how best we should move forward. This workshop, therefore, marks a critical step in the process of preparing the strategic plan of the Khartoum Centre. With your support as the primary stakeholders of the center, together we can develop a center that will evolve into a continental leader in its mandated area of work,” said Peter Mudungwe, AU Senior Technical Adviser – Migration, Governance and Liaison.

The Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Aaron Nhepera outlined the objectives of the meeting, pledging Zimbabwe’s commitment to the center.