Interpol resources will be moved to where they are needed, said the newly appointed president of the international policing organisation, Jackie Selebi, in Pretoria on Tuesday.
He said his priority will be to redirect resources to weaker countries.
”The pace of a column on the march is determined by the weakest and slowest, not by the strongest and fastest. Clearly, Africa is not seen as the strongest and fastest,” he told reporters at police headquarters in Pretoria.
Selebi, who is also South Africa’s National Police Commissioner, said this transfer of resources will include the establishment of a centre in Africa to pool information on international terrorism.
”It will act as an early-warning device,” he said.
He said police have to deal with a ”massive phenomenon” that faces ”the whole of mankind”.
Selebi, Interpol’s vice-president since 2002, is its first African president.
”I am committed as ever to reducing the levels of crime in South Africa and to playing a role in the combating of transnational crimes in the Southern African region. I can now also play a pivotal role in countering international crime and terrorism together with all members of Interpol,” he said, describing his role as head of the 182-member organisation.
Winning the presidency with a two-thirds majority of 96 votes in Cancun, Mexico, last Friday, the commissioner said he will use Interpol’s resources to link all Africa’s member states to Interpol’s internal communication system, I247.
Already the European Union has pledged €2,5-million to the cause.
This will go towards establishing premises, network facilities and equipment, said Selebi, adding that only four countries in Africa currently have the means to connect.
This, he promised, will be done within six months.
Stating that his new position will give the South African Police Service (Saps) more clout, Selebi also said the removal of illicit firearms will be a priority.
Such firearms plague not only South Africa but also other countries.
”While we talk of weapons of mass destruction there is somebody in Soweto who has a problem with small weapons. There are also people in the Caribbean and London with similar problems,” he said.
Selebi said his new role will provide the Saps with the opportunity to increase international cooperation, not only with Africa but also with the rest of the world.
He noted that already the Saps is training police members from Oman, the United Arab Emirates and 10 African countries. — Sapa