Rabat — On Tuesday, the Ministry of Public Prosecution inaugurated the permanent headquarters of the African Prosecutors Association in Rabat, marking a significant milestone in continental judicial cooperation.

Chaired by Hicham Balaoui, the Public Prosecutor and Secretary-General of the Association, the event brought together key figures, including Renson Ingonga, the Kenyan President of the African Prosecutors Association. The handover ceremony formalized the transfer of the Association’s headquarters from the Republic of Mozambique to Morocco.

Attendees praised Morocco’s leadership in Africa under King Mohammed VI, emphasizing the “trust placed in its judicial institutions by African peers”. Among the dignitaries present were Mohamed Abdennabaoui, Vice President of the Supreme Council of the Judiciary, and Abdelatif Amrani, the Kingdom’s Treasurer General.

strengthening judicial ties across africa

The Association highlighted the event as part of Morocco’s ongoing commitment to fostering judicial collaboration and strengthening coordination among African prosecutorial bodies. During the meeting, the Executive Committee finalized the Association’s work agenda, reviewed proposed amendments to its statutes, and addressed annual membership contributions.

In his opening speech, Balaoui underscored the urgency of “enhancing cooperation between African police forces and prosecutorial services, along with sharing best practices to combat transnational crime, corruption, human trafficking, and cybercrime.”

a pivotal role in continental justice

Participants commended the African Prosecutors Association for its pivotal role in unifying professional ties and establishing a structured platform for dialogue and collective action. They recognized its importance in addressing challenges in African criminal justice, particularly in combating rising transnational crime.

The establishment of the Association’s permanent seat in Rabat reaffirms Morocco’s leadership in Africa’s judicial landscape, providing a new institutional framework for prosecutorial exchanges across the continent.

By Mariama Hamani — Analyst