The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) today hosted a delegation from the European Union-funded ACT Project

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) today hosted a delegation from the European Union-funded ACT Project led by its Project Director, Mrs. Marìa Sánchez Gil-Cepeda, to discuss areas of collaboration between the EU ACT Project and the Eastern Africa Association of Prosecutors (EAAP), which has its Secretariat hosted by ODPP Kenya. The discussions explored potential areas of collaboration, such as capacity building in transnational organized crimes such as trafficking of persons, Counter-Terrorism (CT) with the aspect of cryptocurrency, and piracy.

Mr. Vincent Monda, Ag. Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions in the Department of Regional, County Affairs & Regulatory Prosecutions and ODPP head of Mutual Legal Assistance, who represented the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Renson M. Ingonga, CBS, OGW, who serves as the President of the EAAP, noted that the Eastern Africa Association of Prosecutors has benefited a lot from capacity building by the European Union. He emphasized the need to strengthen the coordination and collaboration, especially in transnational organized crimes in the region.

In her remarks, Marìa Sánchez Gil-Cepeda said that in Kenya they have the privilege to partner and collaborate with the security sector, and the main objective of the visit to Kenya was to get feedback and insights about the progress of the ACT (Accountability, Cooperation, and Transnational Crime) Project.

The EU ACT Project is an EU-funded regional initiative designed to strengthen the rule of law, enhance international cooperation mechanisms, and support member states in responding effectively to transnational organized crime. Its primary focus is to enhance mutual legal assistance (MLA), extradition cooperation, asset recovery, and judicial collaboration across jurisdictions.

This engagement marks a significant step towards building stronger networks, capacity building, and ensuring a coordinated approach to knowledge-sharing and cross-border cooperation to combat illicit financial flows, money laundering, and other transnational offences.

The Zanzibar Law Resource Centre (ZLRC) today concluded a two-day benchmarking visit to the ODPP, Kenya

The delegation team led by Mr. Mzee Ali Haji, Deputy Principal Secretary for Constitutional and Legal Affairs under the President’s Office, Constitutional, Legal Affairs, Public Service and Good Governance (PO-CLAPSGG), Zanzibar, was keen to learn and share best practices in the establishment, operationalization, and management of the Prosecution Training Institute and Zanzibar Law Resource Centre in Kenya and Tanzania, respectively.

The ODPP team, led by the Deputy Director Central Facilitation Services Mr. Nkaduda Hiribae and Deputy Head of Prosecution Training Institute Ms. Christine Gakobo, took the team through the overview of the Prosecution Training Institute, where it was taken through key areas critical to the training and professional development of prosecutors.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Nkaduda welcomed the delegation to the Prosecution Training Institute, detailing the reason why the institution was established. He expressed gratitude for the Zanzibar Law Resource Centre’s choice of the ODPP as a benchmarking partner, underscoring the importance of mutual learning between the two institutions. He further expressed hope that during the interaction the ODPP team would also benefit from shared experiences and strategies in continuous professional development of staff from the Zanzibar team.

The Principal Secretary – State Department of Justice, Human Rights, and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Judith Pareno, in a speech delivered by Senior State Counsel Mr. Kennedy Mutiso, reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to regional collaboration. She noted that the formal request from Zanzibar Law Resource to undertake a benchmarking visit to PTI in Kenya was received by the State Department of Justice, Human Rights, and Constitutional Affairs reflecting the growing partnership between Kenya and Zanzibar in legal and prosecutorial reforms.

She emphasized that it was a great honour for Kenya to host an esteemed delegation from Zanzibar. She added that their presence in Kenya demonstrates a shared commitment to strengthening constitutional capacity, promoting best practices, and fostering cooperation within the region's justice system. She noted that the Prosecution Training Institute stands as a key pillar in Kenya’s justice reforms, as it was established to strengthen the capacity, ethics, and competence of prosecutors through continuous professional development. She added that the benchmarking visit was more than an institutional tour but a forum for mutual learning.

Mr. Mzee Ali Haji appreciated the reception and time allocated towards his visit and lauded the ODPP on the strides made in making an efficient Prosecution Training Institute. He noted that their trip was in planning to plan from the training institution as the centre of excellence. Further, the delegation explored various facilities, including the PTI library, smart classroom, computer lab, moot court, and hostels, thus gaining valuable insights into the resources that support capacity building within the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

The DPP Kenya Hosts the AG of the Republic of Mozambique on 13th June 2023

The Director of Public Prosecutions of the republic of Kenya, Noordin Haji had the honor of hosting the AG of the Republic of Mozambique, Beatriz da Consolacao Mateus Buchili. During their meeting, they signed a Biannual implementation plan for an MOU previously signed in Maputo on September 16, 2022.

The MOU aims to strengthen collaboration in the administration of justice, specifically in criminal matters. It signifies a significant step towards fostering closer ties and cooperation between the two countries in their pursuit of effective and efficient justice systems.

The newly signed Biannual implementation plan outlines a comprehensive roadmap for the next two years aimed at enhancing collaboration between the ODPP Kenya and the Attorney General's office of the Republic of Mozambique.

The plan encompasses various key areas of cooperation, including the exchange of best practices on prosecutorial services, joint research projects, training and capacity building, digitization of services, and enhanced cooperation in extradition and Mutual Legal Assistance.

This strategic partnership will contribute to the development of a robust and effective criminal justice framework, benefiting both countries and fostering regional collaboration in the pursuit of justice.

The EAAP Holds its 10th AGM & Conference in Kampala, Uganda on 26th February 2023

Heads of Prosecution Authorities and a section of prosecutors during the EAAP Conference.

The Eastern Africa Association of Prosecutors (EAAP) held its 10th Annual General Meeting and Conference from 26th February, to 2nd March, 2023 in Kampala, Uganda, hosted by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) Uganda.

The theme of the Conference was “Trans–boundary Crime: Practical Approaches to Protecting Women and Children”. The Conference was attended by Heads of Prosecution Authorities and delegates from 12 countries namely: Burundi, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Somalia.

Director of Public Prosecutions-Uganda, Hon. Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, welcoming delegates to the EAAP Conference hosted by ODPP-Uganda in Kampala.

In her welcome remarks, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) of Uganda, who is also the newly elected Secretary General of the EAAP, Hon. Lady Justice, Jane Frances Abodo, said that through the conference, participants would be able to share experiences and best practices in order to harness their skills as prosecutors in handling trans-boundary crime. She noted that women and children are the most vulnerable and constitute the bulk of victims of crime in the East African Region. “Tackling trans-boundary crime, for the protection of women and children is a difficult task to do in isolation”, said Hon. Abodo.

The conference was officially opened by the Chief Justice of Uganda, His Lordship, Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny–Dollo. In his remarks, the Chief Justice noted that the Conference was an opportunity to share experiences and best practices from the various jurisdictions and come up with solutions to strengthen the Regional Criminal Justice System. He remarked that, “Prosecutorial Agencies play a critical role in the stability and sustainable development of any nation”. He also observed that the EAAP had afforded the Heads of Prosecution Authorities in the Eastern African Region opportunities to coordinate, cooperate and collaborate in combating crime.

The outgoing President of the EAAP who is also the DPP Tanzania, Hon. Sylvester Mwakitalu, applauded the member states for their commitment to regional cooperation in combating crime. Hon. Mwakitalu is now the EAAP Treasurer.

Incoming EAAP Treasurer & Outgoing EAAP President, DPP Tanzania, Hon. Sylvester Mwakitalu, giving his remarks at the Conference.

The incoming EAAP President and DPP-Kenya, Hon. Noordin Haji, said that there is need to promote and support the protection of women and children in the region. “In Kenya, we have a specialised Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and Children Divisions to prosecute cases involving women and children”, said Hon. Haji.

EAAP President and DPP-Kenya, Hon. Noordin Haji, CBS, OGW, giving his acceptance speech after being elected EAAP President in Kampala, Uganda.

Change of name from East Africa to Eastern Africa Association of Prosecutors (EAAP)

The Eastern Africa Association of Prosecutors (EAAP) was initially referred to as the East Africa Association of Prosecutors. However, during the EAAP Annual General (AGM) Meeting held on 28th February, 2023, in Kampala, Uganda, it was agreed that the name changes to Eastern Africa Association of Prosecutors so as to capture the expansive region which now has member states beyond East Africa.

EAAP Member States

The EAAP is comprised of 14 national prosecuting authorities and agencies from the following countries: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, South Sudan, Malawi, Mozambique, Somalia, Sudan and Seychelles.

Development Partners

Among the development partners present were: International Justice Mission (IJM), United Nations on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), AML-CFT ESCAY, AGA Africa, IFAW, European Union and the Human Trafficking Institute (HTI) Uganda.

DPP Noordin Haji is the new EAAP president

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Kenya, Hon. Noordin Haji, CBS, OGW, is the newly elected President of the Eastern Africa Association of Prosecutors (EAAP). Hon. Haji was elected during the 10th EAAP Annual General Meeting held on 28th February, 2023 in Kampala, Uganda.

In his acceptance speech, the EAAP President thanked the delegates for the honour and trust with the regional responsibility. Hon. Haji thanked his predecessor the DPP Tanzania, Hon. Sylvester Mwakitalu, and the entire outgoing EAAP officials for their transformative leadership towards enhancing regional cooperation in combating crime. “Your administration re-invigorated our efforts in the execution of our objectives, and bolstering cooperation not only in Eastern Africa, but also in Southern and Central Africa.  It is, therefore, my hope that we will build on your legacy” said DPP, Haji.

Other EAAP officials elected and who represent different countries in the region are:

• Two Vice Presidents: Hon. Aimable Havugiyaremye, Prosecutor General-Rwanda and Hon. Firmin Mvonde Mambu, Prosecutor General-Democratic Republic of Congo

• Secretary General: Hon. Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, Director of Public Prosecutions-Uganda

• Treasurer: Hon. Sylvester Anthony Mwakitalu, Director of Public Prosecutions-Tanzania

• General Counsel: Hon. Dr. Beatriz Buchili, Attorney General-Mozambique

The officials will serve a two-year term. The EAAP Secretariat is hosted in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Kenya.

Right) EAAP President and DPP-Kenya, Hon. Noordin Haji, CBS, OGW, receiving the EAAP Constitution from Hon. Michael Chibita (left), former DPP-Uganda, during the 10th AGM and Conference for EAAP held in Kampala, Uganda.

President Hon. Haji has committed to strengthen regional cooperation through the following initiatives:

• Strengthen EAAP membership. The EAAP President proposes to open up the Association to enable prosecutors to voluntarily register as individual members and will be subject to nominal payments. This will strengthen the Association's financial independence.

• Promote the adoption of technology in the operations of member states.

• Enhance joint capacity building and training exercises for prosecutors with a view of developing wealth of expertise on different thematic areas in the region.

• Explore avenues that will allow for a hybrid legal system to support regional efforts in combating crime.

The East Africa Association of Prosecutors (EAAP) is a regional association of prosecutors committed to setting and raising standards of prosecution and professional conduct for prosecutors in Eastern Africa; by promoting the rule of law and improving regional legal cooperation to combat crime.

Eastern Africa’s Prosecutors meet in Tanzania to strengthen the fight against wildlife crime

Arusha, Tanzania, September 2021— Prosecutors in East Africa are already benefiting from a platform launched last month that aims to strengthen their abilities to combat wildlife crime.

Sixty members of the East Africa Association of Prosecutors (EAAP) are now trained with using the platform following a demonstration by TRAFFIC at the EAAP’s AGM. This is welcome news given the serious threats wildlife crime poses to the conservation of biodiversity and associated impacts on national economies.

The 9th Annual General Meeting and Eastern Africa Prosecutors’ Conference: Combating Wildlife Crime as an Economic/Organised Crime in Eastern Africa, focused on enforcing and prosecuting wildlife crimes as transnational economic/financial crimes. The conference provided Directors of Public Prosecutions (DPPs) with a detailed demonstration of how the EAAP platform can support and coordinate regional approaches to improve regional and bilateral collaboration on investigating and prosecuting transnational crimes.

“This website was created pursuant to the objectives established under the EAC Strategy to Combat Poaching and Illegal Trade and Trafficking of Wildlife Products. It aims to create awareness and enhance prosecutorial capacity to combat wildlife crimes in the region. Ultimately, in the process, strengthening regional and international cooperation. The demonstration of it […]at this conference, is a call for regional prosecutors to make use of it for enhancing investigation and prosecutorial capacities on transboundary crimes.” - Hon. Christophe Bazivamo, Deputy Secretary-General, Productive and Social Sectors, the East Africa Community (EAC)

Meanwhile Hon. Sylvester Anthony Mwakitalu, the EAAP President & DPP Tanzania, stressed the roles of the Prosecution Authorities in the region to fight against transnational organised crimes: “I recognise and appreciate the support of our development partners, who have made this event possible. I acknowledge the support of USAID’s CONNECT through TRAFFIC, WWF, and IUCN. I also thank Space for Giants, UNODC and AWF for their invaluable support.”

Sixty members of the East Africa Association of Prosecutors (EAAP) attended the conference.

The use of innovative technology and advanced tools were cited among the approaches to be adopted by prosecutors and investigators in the fight against cross-border crimes.

Hon. Bert Ubamadu, Deputy Mission Director, USAID East Africa, stated, “Innovative technologies are also tools for stakeholders involved in fighting wildlife crime. USAID’s partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature, TRAFFIC and WWF, under the CONNECT project, has led to the launch of the Eastern Africa Trade in Wildlife Information eXchange - or “TWIX”. Much like the work of this Forum, TWIX enhances opportunities for information sharing on wildlife crime among law enforcement officers in the region.”

Julie Thomson, Director of TRAFFIC East Africa, also raised the challenge of a divergent legal framework to deal with emerging wildlife crimes. She said: “Poaching for bushmeat has been on the rise in the region, a situation which calls for harmonised efforts to put in place appropriate legal frameworks for dealing with this and other under-appreciated crimes involving wild species of plants as well as terrestrial and marine animals.”

Rewardingly, six resolutions were passed because of the collaboration found in this conference. Among these resolutions, each member state will adopt best practices to harmonise international standards in investigations and the prosecution of wildlife crimes. Alongside this, five Prosecution Authorities, DRC Congo, Zambia, Malawi, Ethiopia, and Mozambique, joined the EAAP membership.

Notes

• The event was generously supported by funds from the USAID-funded Conserving Natural Capital and Enhancing Collaborative Management of Transboundary Resources in East Africa (CONNECT), Space for Giants, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and African Wildlife Foundation.

• Close to sixty Prosecutors including, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPPs), Prosecutor Generals, Deputy DPPs, Senior State Attorneys, and State Attorneys from 11 countries – Burundi, DRC Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia gathered at Mt. Meru Hotel, Arusha, Tanzania participated in the event.

• The website developed by TRAFFIC under the USAID CONNECT project aims to support prosecutors in effectively prosecuting wildlife and related crimes. 

This piece was originally published on traffic.org.

Prosecutors in East Africa set their sights on wildlife criminals

Picture: TRAFFIC, Wild lion in Tanzania

New digital tools aim to strengthen prosecution and enhance regional collaboration to combat transnational wildlife crimes.

A dedicated online platform to support East African prosecutors’ investigations, enforcement and cooperation to crack down on wildlife crime officially launches today.

East Africa is a wildlife trafficking hotspot. The region’s rich biodiversity and international transport links make it an ideal poaching ground and a key transit route for international wildlife trafficking.

As part of a coordinated response to conservation and development threats caused by organised criminal activity, TRAFFIC is working with the East Africa Association of Prosecutors (EAAP) to strengthen awareness and prosecutorial capacity for combatting wildlife crime in the region.

“Wildlife crime poses serious threats to the conservation of biodiversity through its impacts on ecosystems and species. This also directly affects local and national economies. The EAAP website and online course are  dynamic tools that will improve regional and bilateral collaboration on the enforcement and prosecution of wildlife crime.” - Julie Thomson, Director, TRAFFIC East Africa

The EAAP is an association of National Prosecution Authorities of East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan), launched in 2010. Its core function is to address a sustained growth in serious transnational crime in the region through promoting the rule of law and improving regional cooperation.

Alongside microsites on human trafficking, gender-based violence, corruption, financial crimes, and counter-terrorism, the website now includes a platform dedicated to environmental and wildlife crime to help foster collaboration between prosecutors involved in international cases.

“The EAAP website is a secure portal for prosecutors to vibrantly engage and learn from each other, including via the hosting of webinars and other training resources for daily use by our growing number of prosecutors. It has the potential to support collaborative efforts to investigate and prosecute transnational wildlife crimes. I urge all prosecutors in the region to embrace this tool and continuously contribute to it as a positive space for cooperation and knowledge sharing." - Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) -Tanzania & EAAP President

In addition to member-only portals for sharing insight and case information, the website includes specialised training resources, such as a newly launched online course “enhancing Capacity of Prosecutors in Combatting Wildlife Crime.” It is a restricted, self-paced resource to provide East African prosecutors with region-specific information on legislation, processes, and criminal modus operandi related to wildlife crime.

“Working with prosecutors on the frontline of wildlife crime is a crucial step in countering the organised criminal networks threatening the wellbeing of our environment and communities. The EAAP website is another tool in the arsenal facing these threats head-on. We welcome all prosecutors in East Africa to use this vital asset to ensure greater success for wildlife crime prosecutions,” said Jamal Juma, EAAP Forum Coordinator, TRAFFIC East Africa.”

Notes

The e-course was designed by TRAFFIC’s East Africa office in collaboration with the EAAP, through the support of the German government’s Partnership against Poaching and Illegal Wildlife Trade (in Africa and Asia), implemented by GIZ on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the German Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU).

CONNECT is a four-year project implemented by IUCN with WWF and TRAFFIC, aimed at strengthening the conservation and management of natural resources shared by East African countries. Through this project, TRAFFIC East Africa supports the EAAP to establish and coordinate a Forum for Wildlife Crime Prosecutors in the region and assist its Secretariat as it works to foster cooperation among the region’s national prosecuting authorities.

This piece was originally published on traffic.org