The connections between terrorism and organized crime across the African continent are growing. The two phenomena have a complex, dynamic, and at times even symbiotic relationship. At the same time, terrorist networks have established a mutually beneficial partnership with transnational criminal organizations, armed groups and criminal organizations with the objective of developing a new business model which maximizes profits from illegal activities.
Although the motivations of terrorist groups and organized crime may differ, they can share a common interest in exploiting opportunities and resources to the detriment of national, regional and international security. Forms of criminal partnerships can address different logistical needs, including those related to finance, travel, supplies and equipment. Trafficking in firearms, drugs, fuel, natural resources, and precious stones and minerals are among the most detected criminal activities in the North and West African regions and complemented by the illicit infiltration of other markets such as the cattle industry.
In this context, UNODC and UNICRI jointly organized a coordination meeting on strengthening cross-regional cooperation to counter the nexus between terrorism and organized crime. The event was the second meeting of its kind held under the projects “Strengthening capacity to address the nexus between terrorism and organized crime in Africa” and “Strengthening the capacity of specialized criminal justice and law enforcement institutions and officials to respond to emerging terrorism threats in Libya through cross border cooperation and countering the nexus between terrorism and organized crime”. The meeting, held in Algiers on 29-31 October 2024, aimed to strengthen cooperation between North and West African countries by highlighting the challenges encountered in the fight against terrorism and its links with organized crime. It also aimed to develop strategies to facilitate communication, mutual legal assistance, joint investigation, and exchange of information between countries.
In response to the needs of Member States in the region to strengthen cooperation to counter terrorism, organized crime and their links, the meeting provided an opportunity for direct exchange between participants from Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Togo and Tunisia. The event benefitted from the presence and contribution of representatives of judicial institutions and law enforcement agencies from both regions, as well as experts from the African Union Counter-Terrorism Centre, AFRIPOL, the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), UNODC and UNICRI.
The workshop led to tangible outcomes, including the highlighting of new trends concerning the nexus between terrorist groups and organized crime. Further, participants discussed challenges related to judicial cooperation and financial investigations, as well as good practices for border management. They also explored opportunities to improve information-sharing and mutual trust between relevant stakeholders with a view of strengthening regional and inter-regional cooperation mechanisms.
The activity was funded by the United Nations Peace and Development Trust Fund and the Government of Italy.
