At forum of Ministers in charge of Security issues in Central Africa: Ngoh Ngoh says police cooperation imperative to combat cross-border crime.

Ngoh Ngoh was speaking on Friday, September 20, at the Yaounde Conference Centre, during the closing ceremony of the 24^th forum of Ministers in charge of security issues in Central Africa. 

The confab was attended by the President of the CEMAC Commission, the Delegate General for National Security, the representative of the Secretary General of the International Criminal Police Organisation, ICPO, Interpol, ministers responsible for security issues from the sub region, administrative authorities and some members of the diplomatic corps amongst others. 

In his address, Ngoh Ngoh said the forum was an avenue to identify the most effective ways and means of strengthening sub-regional and international cooperation in the fight against transnational organised crime.

He expressed delight that the issues addressed during the one-day event enabled participants to define the guidelines for a more ambitious strategy for cooperation between the security services of the CEMAC sub region.

According to the Unity Palace scribe, it is imperative to “work together to develop a current and coordinated response to the security threats and challenges we face collectively”.

Ngoh Ngoh said he was pleased that the relevant actions adopted at the end of the forum are aimed at boosting police cooperation in Central Africa and combating cross-border crime such as illicit circulation of firearms, terrorism, human trafficking and trafficking of all kinds in our sub-region, more effectively. 

He also recommended the intensification of information exchange between the various security services. He stressed that this will be vital, especially at a time when collaboration between police forces and the public needs to be strengthened. 

The organisation of training sessions on cybercrime, Ngoh Ngoh added, will also contribute to strengthening the expertise of police personnel in the conduct of investigations. 

He further mentioned that the prospect of a cooperation agreement on criminal police matters between the Central and West African sub regions was a laudable initiative. 

“The success of this initiative will certainly facilitate the procedures for handing over wanted criminals by the authorities of these two sub-regions. It is now up to the various States concerned, in a spirit of open collaboration, solidarity and mutual effort, to work actively and resolutely to implement the resolutions adopted today in Yaounde,” Ngoh Ngoh said.

He seized the occasion to assure the various ministers in charge of security issues of the firm determination and commitment of the President of the Republic of Cameroon, Paul Biya, to spare no effort in the fight against terrorism and cross-border crime.

New Permanent Secretariat of CAPCCO inaugurated 

Earlier on the same day, Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh officially inaugurated the Permanent Secretariat of the Central African Police Chiefs Committee, CAPCCO. 

The headquarters building of the Permanent Secretariat of CAPCCO, located in Yaounde, is an imposing four storey building. 

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Chairperson of the CEMAC Commission, Baltasar Engonga Edjo’o, thanked President Paul Biya for offering the magnificent building. 

Baltasar Engonga Edjo’o said such generosity of the Head of State was proof of his immense political. 

The new CAPCCO headquarters, the CEMAC Chairperson said, will greatly facilitate their work and reinforce the capacity of police officers. 

He called on CAPCCO to redouble efforts in its mission in order to satisfy the aspirations of member states. He urged them to put the headquarters to good use. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post issue No:3238 of Monday September 23, 2024