Top police officials from across Southern Africa are scheduled to gather in the United Republic of Tanzania from 2 to 6 June 2025 for the annual general meeting of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Chiefs of Police Sub-Committee, under the framework of the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (SARPCCO).
This high-level meeting aims to strengthen regional cooperation in the fight against transnational organised crime, a growing concern for member states due to its wide-reaching impact on security, development, and governance.
Delegates from SADC member states will convene in Dar es Salaam to deliberate on critical issues ranging from cross-border trafficking, cybercrime, and terrorism to illicit arms and drug smuggling. The meeting will also serve as a platform to review progress on existing joint initiatives and enhance collective strategies for more coordinated responses.
“This gathering underscores our shared responsibility as law enforcement leaders to safeguard our region from the threats posed by transnational organised crime. A united, strategic approach is essential to ensure safety, stability, and justice for all citizens in the SADC region,” said a senior SARPCCO official ahead of the event.
The annual general meeting will include presentations, expert-led sessions, and the adoption of resolutions aimed at enhancing regional intelligence-sharing, joint operations, and capacity-building. Key focus areas also include the use of modern policing technologies and the harmonisation of legal frameworks to streamline cross-border investigations and extraditions.
SARPCCO, established in 1995, has played a pivotal role in promoting regional collaboration among police forces. It serves as a crucial mechanism for operational coordination, training, and standard-setting across Southern Africa. Its work is supported by the INTERPOL Regional Bureau based in Harare, Zimbabwe.
This year’s conference is expected to yield a renewed commitment to proactive and united policing efforts, particularly in light of the increasing complexity of organised criminal networks operating across borders.
As the 2025 meeting approaches, observers anticipate the unveiling of more integrated and forward-looking policing models that will fortify the region’s collective security architecture and enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement in combating evolving threats.
