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Insights4Peace Webinar: Regional Cooperation in Responding to Transnational Organized Crime

November 10, 2026
Related topics: 
Organized crime
Security & Defense
Armed conflicts
International Law
Conflict resolution
Africa
Sahel
Terrorism

Transnational organized crime has become a major driver of conflict and instability across Africa, exploiting porous borders, weak governance, and protracted crises. In regions such as the Sahel, the Horn of Africa, the Great Lakes, and the Gulf of Guinea, criminal networks involved in illicit trafficking and financial flows increasingly intersect with armed groups and violent extremists, undermining state authority, peace processes, and regional security.

Against this backdrop, the Policy Center for the New South (PCNS) organized a webinar on October 30, 2026, within the framework of the African Union Network of Think Tanks for Peace (AU NeTT4Peace) Knowledge Series, under the theme “Regional Cooperation in Responding to Transnational Organized Crime.”

Recognizing that these threats extend beyond national borders, the webinar explores the links between transnational organized crime, conflict, and insecurity across Africa, with a particular focus on the importance of regional and cross-border cooperation. Bringing together experts and practitioners, the discussion assesses existing regional and continental frameworks, identifies gaps in current responses, and examines how intelligence sharing, joint operations, harmonized legal frameworks, and early warning mechanisms can be strengthened to support more coordinated and effective responses.

Speakers
Meryam Amarir
 Meryam Amarir is a Junior Analyst at the Policy Center for the New South (PCNS). At the PCNS, Meryam Amarir’s work focuses on the monitoring and analysis of Nile Valley and Middle Eastern political dynamics (Egypt, Sudan, and the Arabian Gulf), as well as cultural heritage protection during conflicts.Before joining the PCNS in 2025, Meryam Amarir gained experience in cultural heritage protection, particularly in relation to UNESCO conventions, through her academic research and an internship at a Provincial Directorate of Culture. Meryam Amarir holds master's degree in public law and political science from Mohammed V University in Rabat, and a bachelor's degree in public law from Chouaib Doukkali University. Meryam Amarir is fluent in Amazigh, Arabic, ...
Rida Lyammouri
Senior Fellow
Rida Lyammouri is a senior fellow at the Policy Center for the New South (PCNS). He is also a senior West Africa and Lake Chad Basin researcher and advisor, with expertise in regional conflicts, violent extremism, climate change, migration, and trafficking. His research activities focus on geopolitics and international relations in the West African Sahel and Lake Chad Basin, regions he has worked on for 14 years, including in the field. He has extensive experience supporting both governmental and non-governmental organizations in the areas of international development, security, countering violent extremism and terrorism, preventing conflicts, ensuring humanitarian access, and migration. Mr. Lyammouri has contributed to in-depth research and analysis reports aiming at building ...
Mady Ibrahim Kanté
Mali
Research Professor and Director of the Sahel Academy for Peace & Security Studies, Pan African University
...

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