The Mombasa Symposium: A Beacon of Understanding in the Storm of Crime
October ushered in a pivotal moment as the AGA-Africa Programme, in concert with the Kenya Judiciary Academy, set the stage for a groundbreaking three-day symposium in Mombasa (3rd – 5th October). Themed “Strengthening Adjudication of Transnational Organised Crimes and Illicit Financial Flows in Africa,” the event was a melting pot of ideas, challenges, and emerging trends, offering a kaleidoscope of perspectives on the intricate tapestry of transnational crime and its shadowy dance with corruption and illicit financial flows.
Sierra Leone’s Digital Frontier: A Workshop on the Cyber Wilds
From the 9th to the 11th of October, Sierra Leone became a hub for digital warriors. A workshop, co-hosted with Sierra Leone Police, delved into the digital depths of cybercrime and evidence. Participants emerged armed with newfound skills in digital evidence handling, ready to champion justice in Sierra Leone’s cyberspace. This collaboration crystallized in a Memorandum of Understanding, cementing a shared commitment to quell the tide of transnational crimes.
Rwanda’s Judicial Joust with Cryptocurrencies and Money Laundering
Nyanza, Rwanda, witnessed a pivotal training session (17th – 19th October), enlightening judges on the shadowy realms of cryptocurrencies and trade-based money laundering. A collaboration with ILPD, the workshop offered a beacon of knowledge, empowering Rwanda’s judiciary to navigate the murky waters of illicit trade and digital currencies.
Malawi’s Conclave: Forging Justice’s Future
On the 20th of October, Malawi became a crucible of legal minds. The Malawi Bench and Bar Joint Workshop, a collaborative symposium, focused on refining the justice administration and delivery system. It was a day of shared wisdom and progressive ideas, pushing towards a more effective justice system in Malawi.
Nigeria’s Retreat: Sculpting Judicial Excellence
Between 23rd and 25th October, Nigeria hosted a retreat that transcended boundaries. Supreme Court and Court of Appeal Justices gathered to sculpt a more efficient judicial system. Insights from various jurisdictions were shared, forging a path towards a more robust Nigerian judicial landscape.
South Africa’s Stand Against Wildlife Crime
Limpopo, South Africa, became the front line in the battle against illegal wildlife trade (24th – 26th October). This AGA-Africa Programme workshop, in partnership with Good Governance Africa, was a convergence of minds and strategies, strengthening the resolve against wildlife crime in Southern Africa.
Ghana’s Symposium: Cyber Law in Focus
Finally, from 26th to 27th October, Ghana hosted a symposium on Cybercrime Law and Electronic Evidence. It was a deep dive into the complex world of cybercrime adjudication, addressing the challenges of evidence in the digital age.
Acknowledgements: A Symphony of Collaboration
The AGA-Africa Programme extends heartfelt gratitude to a constellation of legal luminaries and champions of justice who illuminated our events with their wisdom and insights:
Mombasa Symposium, Kenya:
- Justice Dr. Smokin Wanjala, Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya and Director, Kenya Judiciary Academy
- Inspector William Fayia Sellu, Inspector General of Police, Sierra Leone Police
- Yves Sezirahiga, Acting Rector and Vice-Rector in Charge of Academic and Research Affairs, Institute of Legal Practice and Development
- Patrick Gray Mpaka, President, Malawi Law Society
- Chris Maroleng, Executive Director, Good Governance Africa
- Justice Salisu Garba, Administrator, National Judicial Institute (NJI)
- Tawanda Hondora, Head of Rule of Law, Commonwealth Secretariat
Cybercrime and Digital Evidence Workshop, Sierra Leone
- John Edozie, International Advisor, AGA-Africa Programme
- ACP Esther Dukuray, Director of Training, Sierra Leone Police
Cryptocurrencies and Trade-Based Money Laundering Workshop, Rwanda
- Rector Dr. Yves Sezirahiga, Acting Rector and Vice-Rector in Charge of Academic and Research Affairs, Institute of Legal Practice and Development
- John Edozie, International Advisor, AGA-Africa Programme
Malawi Bench and Bar Joint Workshop, Malawi
- Gift Caroline Chikwakwa, the Programme’s Country Coordinator for Malawi
Achieving Efficiency and Effectiveness in a Judicial System Retreat, Nigeria
- Honourable Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, Chief Justice of Nigeria
- Justice Helen Ogunwumiju, Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria
- Chukukere Unamba-Oparah, AGA-Africa Programme Director and Country Coordinator for Kenya
- Ebelechukwu Enedah, AGA-Africa Programme Country Coordinator for Nigeria
Countering the Illegal Wildlife Trade in Southern Africa, South Africa:
- Kim Robinson, AGA-Africa Programme Country Coordinator for South Africa
- Ross Harvey, Director of Research and Programmes, Good Governance Africa
Cybercrime Law and Electronic Evidence Symposium, Ghana
- Maame Hagan, AGA-Africa Programme Country Coordinator for Ghana
- Chukukere Unamba-Oparah, AGA-Africa Programme Director and Country Coordinator for Kenya
- Honourable Justice Diana Mochache, Judge, High Court of Kenya
This stellar assembly of experts and dignitaries has greatly contributed to the success of our October initiatives, playing pivotal roles in advancing our collective quest for justice and legal acumen across Africa.
Cybersecurity in Africa: The Digital Shield
Tackling cybersecurity in Africa demands a tapestry of policies, technologies, and education. The AGA-Africa Programme remains committed to reinforcing Africa’s digital defenses, promoting international collaboration, and empowering law enforcement to combat cyber threats.
In Focus: Africa’s Digital Dawn
As technology leaps forward, Africa stands at the brink of a digital dawn. The continent’s journey towards robust cybersecurity is not just a regional endeavor but a global necessity. African nations are scaling their digital ramparts, ready to face the global challenges of cyber threats in various industries.
AGA-Africa Programme October Chronicles: A Testament to Justice and Collaboration
From Kenya’s symposium to Rwanda’s workshops, and Nigeria’s judicial retreat, AGA-Africa Programme’s October journey has been a testament to resilience, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to justice. As we turn the page, we look forward to continuing this journey, ever vigilant, ever united.
