United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

The UNODC Regional Office in East Africa (ROEA)

UNODC and African Union Join Forces for Second Global Coalition on Consultation on Synthetic Drug Supply Reduction in Madagascar

Antananarivo, Madagascar , 25 Octorber 2024 — From October 22 to 25, 2024, key stakeholders across the African continent gathered for the second Africa Union Global Coalition consultation on synthetic drug supply reduction. Organized by the African Union (AU) in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), and other partners, the event emphasized the growing threat of synthetic drugs in Africa and the urgent need for a coordinated regional response.

Participants included government officials, law enforcement agencies, and experts in drug policy, all focused on strengthening supply reduction efforts. The exchanges and discussions centered around enhancing cross-border cooperation, intelligence sharing, and capacity-building to curb the illicit trade of synthetic drugs.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the consultation, the Madagascar Minister of Foreign affairs, H.E. Rasata Rafaravavitafika, stated that Africa must work together to mitigate the consequences of synthetic drugs on the continent.

“The easy access to these drugs has formed a vicious circle, threatening public health, causing family instability, increasing criminality and corruption financing, while providing support for terrorist activities. The fight against drugs is crucial for both our present and our future so we are obligated to collaborate to succeed."

UNODC Regional Representative for Eastern Africa, Ashita Mittal, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to assisting African nations in tackling this challenge. She emphasized that UNODC will continue to provide technical assistance, strengthen legal frameworks, and offer law enforcement training. She highlighted the UNODC Synthetic Drug Strategy and toolkit as key resources that can equip member states with practical tools in areas such as legislation, forensics, and health.

“The Synthetic Drug Strategy is grounded in science and offers a balanced and comprehensive framework, tailored to the needs of specific sub-populations such as youth and women. I encourage all of us to interact with these resources and put them in use in our respective countries and areas of work. As the synthetic drug market continues to evolve, the need for a united front against this threat has never been more urgent.” She stated.

This 4-day consultation represents a crucial step in developing a long-term, cohesive strategy to reduce synthetic drug supply and protect communities throughout Africa. Continued collaboration and decisive action will be vital to safeguarding future generations on the continent.

For more information, please contact:

Carmen Corbin – carmen.corbin@un.org

Head of Transnational Organized Crime, Illicit Trafficking and Terrorism Programmes,

UNODC Regional Office for Eastern Africa