Last October (2019), the General Assembly of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) held in Santiago, Chile with officials representing 144 countries, lauded the Sudanese government efforts in combatting the illegal migration and human trafficking.
Sudan participated by a high level delegation led by Lt. Gen. (Police) Adel Bashaer who presented a working paper on Sudanese efforts in combatting human trafficking through security and legislative measures. In his paper Lt. Gen. Bashaer enumerated the efforts of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the issue especially in the bordering lines of Sudan with other countries considering that Sudan is a crossing point for human traffickers towards the European coasts.
On the other hand, Ambassador Anas El-Tayeb Al-Gailiani, on behalf of the Sudanese government, has signed the Headquarters Agreement to host the African Union Centre for Combatting Illegal Migration while the African Union Director of Social Affairs, Ms. Mariama Cisse signed on behalf of the African Union.
It is worth noting that the centre is the first of its kind in the continent to provide services to all African countries. The centre is supported by the European Union technically and financially.
Khartoum’s hosting the centre comes in recognition of Sudan’s role and contribution to the fight against illegal migration in the Horn of Africa.
The recognition of the international community to Sudan’s role in combatting illegal migration to the extent of making Khartoum the head office of the African Union Centre for Combatting Illegal Migration gives the indication that Sudan plays great role in combatting illegal migration and human trafficking.
Reading the African Union’s recognition and the Interpol General Assembly’s hailing the role of Sudan puts our country in a real challenge, considering that Sudan is a transit country to the European shores for human traffickers who get advantage of the broad borders which Sudan is sharing with several African countries.
It is high time for the international community especially the UN concerned agencies to provide all possible support to Sudan to enable its authorities continue its efforts in combatting human trafficking and illegal migration in a professional manner.
Our Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are doing a great job in curbing the illegal migration, borders’ crossing crimes and human trafficking through its tireless combing campaigns in the bordering zones and even inside the cities including greater Khartoum.
In short, Sudan needs to be provided by all possible technical assistance to allow its government contribute more in combatting illegal migration and human trafficking.
