Inauguration of the extension of Interpol's communication service in the Port of Bissau

May 6, 2021

Photo: UNDP, 2021

The extension of Interpol's communication service in the port of Bissau was inaugurated on Friday, 23 April 2021, as part of the Government of Guinea Bissau's efforts to improve its fight against crime and to preserve security in the country. 

This activity was supported by UNDP through a project carried out in partnership with UNODC and the IOM, with funding from the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), which aims to strengthen the justice and security sectors' response to drug trafficking and transnational organized crime in Guinea-Bissau.

The objective of the project is to reduce Guinea-Bissau's vulnerability to drug trafficking and organized crime and to reduce the negative impact of such crimes on the fragility and dependence of the country's security institutions, rule of law, and local communities, thereby reducing the country's cycles of instability.

The need to provide the security services, in this case, Interpol, with appropriate capabilities and means to fight against transnational organized crime is specifically geared towards contributing to the preservation of the rights of the most vulnerable, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau and in Sustainable Development Goal 16:  "Promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all and building effective, responsible and inclusive institutions.

In this context, the role of the security forces is essential, as they must be able to provide a rapid, concerted response to incidents of crime with efficiency and effectiveness.

Mr. Tjark Egenhoff, the UNDP Resident Representative, in his statement noted that,

"The fight against organized crime requires strong political will and commitment from all layers of society as it is a question of tackling one of the evils that can durably undermine the stability of any society particularly in vulnerable countries such as Guinea Bissau."

The Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Mr.  Iaia Djaló said,

“The new Interpol post will allow for better control of the movement of ships and cargo, so we appreciate the support of UNDP and its partners to accompany national authorities in the fight against drug trafficking and transnational organized crime for a safer and stable country”.

The installation demonstrates the willingness of UNDP and its partners to accompany national authorities in strengthening security, peace, and stability in Guinea-Bissau.