In a heightened campaign for the prominent post of International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) Secretary General, Africa’s candidate, Mubita Nawa, has successfully concluded a fruitful visit to Egypt.
Accompanied by renowned diplomat Lazarous Kapambwe who is Special Envoy for the President of the Republic of Zambia, and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Force, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, Mr. Nawa held key meetings with high-ranking Egyptian officials to garner support for his candidacy.
According to a statement by the Zambia Police Service public relations unit, the campaign team first met with the Minister of Interior at the Ministry Headquarters. Later, they engaged with senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Ambassador Ihab Awad, Deputy Assistant Minister Mohamed Negm, Dr. Alyaa Borhan, and Counsellor Abu Bakr Al Ashrafy.
During the meetings, Ambassador Kapambwe delivered a message from President Hichilema, highlighting the significance of their mission.
He expressed gratitude for Egypt’s support, noting, “Egypt’s commitment to the African Union’s cause, demonstrated by endorsing a single African candidate, is commendable. Mubita Nawa’s candidacy offers a rare opportunity for INTERPOL to embrace meaningful changes, making the organization more robust and inclusive.”
The second meeting took place at the Ministry of Public Security, where they met with General Mahmoud ABOU AMRA, Deputy Minister for Public Security and Head of Public Security Sector. He provided a brief on the security situation and indicated that Egypt has various memoranda of understanding with African countries aimed at strengthening collaboration and capacity in the security sector.
“I’m happy that Africa has a candidate, and I wish Mr. Nawa well. As a country, we support the African Union’s stance on his candidature,” he reiterated.
The minister was flanked by General Sherif Abdelfattah, Head of General Directorate of International Cooperation, General Dr. Badr Eldeeb, Deputy Head of Sector for Operations in the Public Security Sector, General Emad Sdeeq, Head of General Directorate of Sentences Execution. Others included General Atef Roshdy, Head of General Directorate Forensic Investigations, and Colonel Yehia ELSherif, Police officer – General Directorate of International Cooperation.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Nawa shared his vision for a strong and resilient INTERPOL, united against crime.
“There is an urgent need for structural reforms to align INTERPOL with contemporary demands,” Nawa stated. “Our goal is to ensure that INTERPOL can better serve its member countries while embracing diversity at a strategic level.”
In response, Deputy Assistant Minister Mohamed Negm acknowledged the importance of Africa’s role in global law enforcement.
“It is time for Africa to fully participate at a strategic level, setting the agenda rather than just being part of it. This will help Africa and other developing countries have meaningful participation in the global security architecture,” said Negm.
The meetings in Egypt concluded successfully. Both Ambassador Kapambwe and Mr. Nawa extended their thanks to Zambia’s Ambassador to Egypt, Major General Toply Lubaya (Rtd), and the embassy staff for their support and hospitality.
The campaign team is now set to continue their efforts in Nigeria, aiming to strengthen their position and gain further endorsements.
By Benedict Tembo
Kalemba June 12, 2024
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