Title: East and Southern Africa Drug Control Commission: A crucial response to increasing heroin trafficking in the region
Introduction :
The Eastern and Southern Africa Drug Commission, launched in February 2023, plays a vital role in combating the alarming increase in heroin trafficking in the region. Made up of former African presidents and internationally renowned specialists, this organization will meet for the first time in Mauritius on August 10 and 11. The objective is to explore regional capacities to combat drug trafficking, with emphasis on the dramatic consequences of this scourge in Seychelles and Mauritius.
A worrying increase in heroin trafficking in Eastern and Southern Africa:
According to research by the NGO Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, the Eastern and Southern African region is facing an increase in heroin trafficking from Afghanistan to Western markets. Although the southwest Indian Ocean is not a direct transit route, the consequences of this trafficking are already being felt in Seychelles and Mauritius, where drug use is among the highest in the world per capita.
The emergence of Madagascar as a drug hub:
One of the consequences of heroin trafficking in the region is the emergence of Madagascar as a drug “hub”. Faced with this worrying situation, the East and Southern Africa Drug Control Commission will have to define a strategy during its meeting in Mauritius. Influential members of this commission, such as former presidents Kgalema Motlanthe, Joaquim Chissano and Cassam Uteem, as well as Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim, will contribute their expertise and experience to find effective solutions.
The challenges of the fight against drug trafficking in the Indian Ocean:
The Indian Ocean is heavily affected by drug trafficking, and it is essential to strengthen local and regional capacities to combat this scourge. The East and Southern Africa Drug Commission will be tasked with bringing together the resources and efforts of countries in the region to tackle drug trafficking networks. Prevention, repression and awareness-raising measures will need to be put in place to reduce drug consumption and curb illicit trade.
Conclusion :
The Eastern and Southern Africa Drug Control Commission plays a crucial role in combating heroin trafficking in the region. The meeting in Mauritius will be an opportunity to define a strategy to strengthen local and regional capacities and effectively fight this scourge.. Working together to protect communities and young people from the destructive impact of drugs is essential, and the Drug Commission is a promising response to this urgent challenge.