UN Resident Coordinator Calls for Regional Cooperation Against Terrorism in Southern Africa

Windhoek, Namibia – The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Namibia, Ms. Hopolang Phororo today urged Southern African countries to strengthen regional cooperation in combating terrorism and transnational organized crime. Speaking at the third in-person meeting of the Southern Africa Informal Working Group (IWG) on Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR), Phororo emphasized the importance of sharing best practices and lessons learned in passenger data implementation.

The meeting, held in Windhoek, brought together representatives from 15 Southern African Member States. Phororo highlighted the meeting's significance as it had the highest attendance since the IWG's launch in 2022.

"Hopolang Phororo praised the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Republic of Botswana for their leadership in the IWG. She encouraged all Member States to continue their commitment to the group and to maintain it as a successful regional forum for cooperation."

The UN Resident Coordinator also emphasized the importance of partnerships in combating terrorism. She highlighted the "Delivering as One" approach promoted by the UN, which involves collaboration among various UN agencies and international organizations to support Member States in establishing effective API and PNR systems.

Phororo warned that the African continent faces numerous transnational security threats, including terrorism and violent extremism. She stressed the need for multilateral responses and emphasized the importance of cooperation over competition.

The UN Resident Coordinator also called for countries to address underlying issues such as inequality and unemployment, which can contribute to instability and extremism. She highlighted the UN's commitment to supporting Member States in building peaceful and inclusive societies.

In conclusion, Phororo urged participants to continue strengthening regional cooperation and coordination to combat terrorism and transnational organized crime in the Southern African region.