During the 5th United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS), held in New York on July 8 and 9, Gabon reaffirmed its commitment to international security cooperation. The delegation, led by the Minister of Interior, Security and Decentralization Adrien Nguema Mba, alongside the Commander-in-Chief of the National Police General Serge Hervé Ngoma, highlighted the urgent need for real-time intelligence sharing and joint data collection to combat evolving transnational threats.
Addressing the session on conflict, insecurity and transnational crime, Nguema Mba emphasized that today’s security challenges demand closer collaboration between law enforcement agencies. Rapid information exchange, he argued, is no longer optional but a critical tool for anticipating threats, coordinating responses, and strengthening national security frameworks. Gabon’s stance reflects a broader strategy to align with regional and global partners in countering organized crime and terrorism.
Strengthening Gabon’s security through partnership
At the summit, Adrien Nguema Mba outlined Gabon’s existing commitments to police cooperation. The country has been a member of the Central African Police Chiefs Committee (CCPAC) since 1997 and actively participates in CEMAC’s police cooperation mechanisms. Additionally, Gabon integrates the Interpol I-24/7 secure communication system, reinforcing its capability to tackle illicit trafficking and cross-border crimes.
Recent strategic agreements with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the World Customs Organization, and Interpol further demonstrate Gabon’s proactive approach to dismantling organized crime networks and enhancing regional stability.
The event also explored the future of the United Nations Police (UNPOL), where Gabon advocated for a more agile, specialized, and nationally owned policing model. The country’s delegation stressed that global security in the 21st century hinges on stronger partnerships, seamless intelligence flow, and operational collaboration to address modern-day threats effectively.