Eswatini Police join global leaders at INTERPOL’s 93rd General Assembly

By Thokozani Mazibuko

The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) has taken part in the 93rd INTERPOL General Assembly, a major gathering that brought together police chiefs and security leaders from across the world to address the complex and evolving challenges of global crime.

The conference was held at the Jardis de Menara in Marrakech, Morocco, from 24 to 27 November 2025. It attracted more than eight hundred delegates from one hundred and seventy nine countries, including eighty two police chiefs from various regions.

Among them was Eswatini’s National Commissioner of Police Manoma Vusie Masango, who attended alongside other senior officials from the Southern African Development Community.

The annual assembly plays a critical role in shaping global law enforcement priorities and strengthening cooperation between police agencies.

This year’s gathering focused strongly on enhancing international policing systems, improving cross border collaboration and equipping countries with the technological tools needed to confront transnational crime.

Delegates discussed strategies to combat cybercrime, money laundering, drug trafficking, terrorism and human trafficking, which remain among the most serious threats facing members of the international community.

The meeting was officially opened by the Moroccan Director of General National Security, who also serves as the Director General for Territorial Surveillance, Abdellatif Hammouchi.

In his remarks, he warned that contemporary crime continues to grow more sophisticated. He said that no country is immune to the dangers posed by organised criminal networks operating across borders.

He emphasised the need for unity and cooperation in order to safeguard global security. He reminded delegates that criminal syndicates exploit technological advancement and weaknesses in communication systems, making coordinated policing even more essential.

A key development during the assembly was the launch of the new Privileges and Immunities framework of INTERPOL. The agreement seeks to reinforce the legal status of the organisation and to protect its operational independence.

Delegates noted that a stronger legal framework would help improve the functioning of INTERPOL, enhance international cooperation and enable the organisation to fulfil its mandate more efficiently.

The agreement was welcomed by member states who felt that it would help close gaps in the global law enforcement network.

The Eswatini delegation contributed to several discussions and emphasised the importance of building better communication channels between countries.

Commissioner Masango highlighted the need to improve cooperation between national law enforcement agencies, especially in areas such as information sharing, coordinated investigations and the adoption of modern policing tools.

He said that tackling transnational crime requires a shared commitment from all participating countries because criminals often use borders to evade justice and exploit weak regulatory environments.

One of the concerns raised by the Eswatini delegation was the continued exclusion of the Republic of China on Taiwan from INTERPOL activities. The delegation expressed that this exclusion creates a gap in the global law enforcement network.

According to Commissioner Masango, effective policing depends on the widest possible participation of all jurisdictions. He said that any missing link in the chain creates opportunities for criminals to take advantage of blind spots in the system.

He urged member states to consider the practical implications of excluding any region from global security efforts.

The four day conference also provided an opportunity for SADC member states to meet on the sidelines. During these regional discussions, security and cooperation issues affecting southern Africa were examined in detail.

Delegates from SADC countries reaffirmed their commitment to supporting each other in efforts to fight terrorism, cross border crimes, the trafficking of people and illicit goods and other forms of organised criminal activity.

Commissioner Masango highlighted the importance of regional solidarity and noted that the SADC police chiefs were united in supporting two African candidates who were vying for key INTERPOL positions.

He said that if these candidates succeed, their election would represent a significant victory for the African continent because it would give the region stronger representation within the leadership structures of INTERPOL.

He added that Africa continues to face unique security challenges and the presence of African experts in senior positions would help ensure that the continent’s priorities are fully understood within the global policing environment.