Expert Weighs In: Can West Africa Defeat Transnational Organised Crime?

Photo: Members of TOC
Photo Credit (Pa Modou Cham)

By Mam Jarra Camara 

Enhancing Africa's Response to Transnational Organised Crime (TOC), on Friday 14 March 2025, challenged the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, ACHPR, together with the CSO groups, UNODC, IOM, OHCHR, Interpol, Academics and researchers specializing in TOC causes with funding from the European Union (EU), on West Africa's Transnational Organised Crime struggle. 

The event was held at the Sir Dawda Kaira, Jawara International Conference Center in Bijilo, and brought together human rights lawyers, migration personifiers and people from different walks of life pinning strategies towards combatting Transnational Organised Crimes (TOC). 

Dr. Feyi Ogunade, regional coordinator of Transnational Organised Crime, TOC, expresses concerns and believes that the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR), could do more in tackling human rights violations related to TOCs. 

He said that even though there are mechanisms under the ACHPR to address other human rights violations, there is still a need for more advocacy on TOC and its related causes of human rights violations, thus needing to be fortified.

“I have worked for the ACHPR as its legal expert for many, many years and even with that, I strongly believe that TOC causes can be addressed and that the ACHPR can do more in addressing TOCs. ACHPR has for a long time been focusing on addressing other human rights issues, such as the promotion of civil, political and social rights, while limited focus is put on human rights violations related to TOCs. When you look at the interface at the conference on human rights and TOC, you see so many violations of human rights and TOCs. A typical example is human trafficking and smuggling. All types of rights are being violated from the time people are being smuggled till they enter the boats from Niger to Libya down to the Mediterranean Sea,” he said.

He concluded by emphasizing the need for CSO's Collaboration with the ACHPR, saying it's crucial in Safeguarding human rights and promoting justice for TOC victims. 

The gathering was in attendance with magistrate Hassan Jallow, who retorted that the Gambia back in the day was not known, with numerous murder causes linking the increase in murder cases to TOCs.

“All these cases are by-products of TOCs. We at the courts will do our utmost best in making sure that perpetrators who are brought before us answer to the crimes they have committed.” 

Enya Braun, the European Union (EU) Program Manager on Governance Cooperation (PMGC), reiterated the EU’s commitment and support to the ACHPR in promoting human rights and tackling TOC-related human rights violations. 

“The EU had long recognized the urgency of addressing TOC not only as a security challenge but also as a human rights concern. TOCs fuel Human trafficking and undermine the rule of law. It also enables corruption and weakens state institutions, leaving communities vulnerable and deprived of basic protections. EU remains committed to supporting African-led initiatives in addressing Transnational organized crimes and its consequences.”