In line with on going efforts to train and build African capacities on trans-boundary challenges, CCCPA accepted an invitation by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) to take part in the meeting of the “Steering Committee of the EU-Horn of Africa Migration Route Initiative”, held on 23 and 24 April 2015. 

The initiative was established on 28 November 2014 between the 28 EU member countries and Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Djibouti, Kenya, Tunisia and Egypt, with the aim of addressing issues of human trafficking and illegal migration between the Horn of Africa and Europe.The Steering Committee seeks to coordinate efforts between relevant governmental entities in policy making and provides technical and financial assistance in order to manage migration originating from the Horn.

During the meeting, CCCPA Deputy Director, Counselor Hatem Elatawy gave a short presentation about the Center’s training activities on combating human trafficking, illegal immigration and border issues. 

During 2014, CCCPA conducted 6 training courses for 104 military, police and civilian professionals from 15 African countries: Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Gambia, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Tunisia, and Egypt. Meeting attendees recognized the importance of CCCPA’s activities on the said issues, as they come within the framework of South-South cooperation and contribute to the transfer of much needed knowledge and expertise on issues related to illegal migration and human trafficking. Furthermore, the Committee praised CCCPA’s integrated framework with which it provides trainings to officials to deal with trans-boundary challenges from a military, police and civilian aspect. 

Photo: Óglaigh na hÉireann - Flickr