Rabat has become the new home of the African Prosecutors Association after the ceremonial transfer of its headquarters from Mozambique to Morocco. The event was presided over by Hicham Balaoui, Prosecutor General at the Court of Cassation and current Secretary-General of the Association, alongside Renson Ingonga, its Kenyan President.
The inauguration ceremony marked a historic moment, with the signing of a convention formalizing the relocation of the Association’s permanent headquarters to Rabat. Attendees praised Morocco’s leading role on the African continent, highlighting the trust placed in its judicial institutions under the leadership of King Mohammed VI.
The gathering brought together prominent figures, including Mohamed Abdennabaoui, Deputy President of the Supreme Council of the Judiciary, and Abdelatif Amrani, Morocco’s General Treasurer, along with other judicial officials.
Strengthening judicial cooperation in Africa
The Association emphasized that this move aligns with Morocco’s longstanding commitment to fostering judicial cooperation across Africa. During the meeting in Rabat, the Executive Committee finalized the Association’s work agenda, reviewed proposed amendments to its statutes, and addressed membership dues.
In his opening speech, Hicham Balaoui underscored the critical need for enhanced collaboration between law enforcement agencies and African prosecutors. He stressed the importance of sharing expertise and best practices to combat evolving threats, including organized crime, corruption, human trafficking, and cybercrime.
Uniting against transnational crime
Participants commended the Association’s pivotal role in strengthening professional ties among its members. They recognized it as a vital platform for dialogue, coordination, and collective action in addressing challenges within Africa’s penal justice systems.
The establishment of the Association’s permanent seat in Rabat bolsters Morocco’s influence in continental judicial cooperation. It also provides a structured framework for prosecutors across Africa to collaborate more effectively in combating cross-border crime.