Transnational Organized Crime in the Horn of Africa

This recorded session explores Transnational Organized Crime in Africa, with a particular focus on the Horn of Africa and its implications for peace, security, and governance.

The discussion features Prof. Phil Williams, who presents an in-depth overview of organized crime trends, governance challenges, and response strategies, highlighting how conflict, weak institutions, and limited state capacity enable criminal networks to thrive.

The session also draws on insights from the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, including findings from the Global Organized Crime Index, which measures levels of criminality and state resilience across countries. Julia Stanyard explains the research methodology and key regional patterns identified through the Index.

From a national perspective, Lieutenant Colonel Sadiq Aden Ali shares practical insights on the impact of organized crime in Somalia, outlining operational challenges faced by security institutions on the ground.

The conversation concludes with a reflection on the complex relationship between organized crime and economic mobility, emphasizing the need for holistic, coordinated, and context-specific responses, including stronger law enforcement, improved governance, and protection for investigative journalists.

📌 Hosted by the Horn of Africa Institute for Peace and Security (HOAIPS) as part of the PeaceTalks+ series.