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Cooperation in Police Matters

Through the meetings of the EAC Police Chiefs, cooperation has continued to be fostered among EAC Partner State Police Forces / Services. Decisions were reached to harmonise police rankings and establish a Police liaison office within the structure of the proposed Directorate of Peace and Security. This is in addition to the already existing bilateral partnerships among the region’s security agencies.

The EAC Secretariat has rolled out a programme for joint training programs, social interaction, enhanced border surveillance and joint operations, and collective use of scientific crime management assets among others in the quest to enhance fight against criminals and deny them safe havens in the EAC region.

Through the meeting of Directors of CID and Registrars of Motor Vehicles, the law enforcement agencies of the EAC Partner States have continued working together to stem cross border criminal activities. These include motor vehicle thefts, smuggling, drug trafficking, and human trafficking among others. The agencies have enhanced cooperation in exchange for crime intelligence, restitution of stolen property and extradition of crime suspects.

Other activities that have been undertaken within the Peace and Security sector include development of a draft Conflict Early Warning and Response Mechanism and commencement of work on a Regional Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution framework.

Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Management Programs

Action against SALW proliferation has been boosted with the establishment of an experts group to develop a regional arms management policy. The experts developed the first two drafts and are on course to completing the policy, which will inform the legislation harmonisation process deemed critical to collective approach to dealing with SALW. Simultaneously, a study was commissioned to establish the prevalence of the SALW problem in the region in all its aspects. The output will inform future interventions in the SALW issues from an informed perspective.

Additional measures that have been instituted include support to National Focal Points in the implementation of national Level activities, support to Civil Society, enhanced cooperation with the Regional Centre on Small Arms and procurement of marking equipment for all focal Points to facilitate remarking of SALW held and licensed by Partner States. GIZ support continues to facilitate these activities.

In order to enhance cross regional synergy with Intergovernmental Authority on Development, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa and Indian Ocean Commission, the EAC commenced implementation of the Regional Conflict Prevention Management and Resolution Program (SALW component) funded through European Development Fund (EDF 9).

Protocol on Illicit Drug Trafficking

The experts group on Illicit Drug Trafficking has reviewed progress that had been made by EAC Partner States in implementing provisions of the protocol. The experts further developed an assessment report on the State of Illicit Drug Trafficking in the region and submitted the same to the United Nations Office on Drug Control as part of the wider information sharing process.

The assessments highlighted measures underway to revitalise and reinvigorate the fight against illicit drug trafficking through enhanced cooperation, broad based participation and synergy as well as challenges occasioned by technical and resource constraints.

Peace and Security

Fostering and maintaining a conducive atmosphere that is a pre-requisite to social and economic development through co-operation and consultations on issues pertaining to peace and security of the Partner States.

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East African Community
EAC Close
Afrika Mashariki Road
P.O. Box 1096
Arusha
United Republic of Tanzania

Tel: +255 (0)27 216 2100
Fax: +255 (0)27 216 2190
Email: eac@eachq.org