ADDIS ABABA - Deputy Commissioner General of the Federal Police, Zelalem Mengistie, has expressed growing concerns over the destabilizing effects of cross-border crime. Speaking at the Prosecution and Law Enforcement Dialogue and Roundtable in Addis Ababa, Mengistie emphasized the serious threat posed by such activities to global peace and security.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, Opening the event in Addis Ababa, Deputy Commissioner General Mengistie highlighted the challenges arising from cross-border crime in the context of globalization. He noted that technological advancements have facilitated economic, political, and social interactions across borders but have also opened avenues for illegitimate activities, including human trafficking and migrant smuggling. Mengistie pointed out the severe consequences of these crimes, including extortion, torture, sexual violence, forced labor, and even death of migrants at the hands of criminal networks.

Efforts to combat these criminal activities have been supported by the Regional Operational Center in support of the Khartoum process and the African Union Horn of Africa Initiative (ROCK), as well as funding from the Emergency Trust Fund for Africa of the European Union. Ethiopia, as stated by the deputy commissioner general, is playing a crucial role in fighting human trafficking and smuggling of migrants.

ROCK Technical Director, Heve Jamet, explained that the roundtable's primary aim is to foster collaboration and smooth information exchange among justice, prosecution, and police forces. He emphasized Ethiopia's importance as a key partner in the ROCK project, which is funded by the European Union and focuses on combatting human trafficking and migrant smuggling, and mitigating the dangers migrants face at the hands of smugglers.