The security is expected to be tight in just a few days to come when about 53 African countries, as well as international observers, converge on Botswana to discuss how to tackle crime.
So far, over 300 delegates are expected to attend the conference.
Speaking to Sunday Standard, detective Assistant Police Commissioner Precious Thabiwa said, “Between the 16th and the 18th of this month (February) Botswana Police will be hosting the 21st African Regional Conference.”
She said they are expecting over 300 delegates from about 53 African countries who are members of Interpol. Many international observers are also expected.
Thabiwa said among the dignitaries expected to attend the Conference are the president of Interpol and his Executive, as well as the Ghanaian Chief Justice.
She added that Interpol president will address the conference and that the Botswana Police is honoured to host such an important conference, which she hopes will run smoothly until the end.
“We are busy preparing for the Conference and everything is going according to plan,” she said, adding that president Khama will officiate at the conference that will be held at the Gaborone International Conference Center (GICC).
Thabiwa said the Conference will discuss, among others, cyber crime, terrorism, human trafficking, motor vehicle theft and corruption, just to mention a few.
“This is the second time that Botswana hosts such a conference; Botswana benefited a lot after the (first) conference,” Thabiwa said, adding that the first time the country hosted an Interpol conference was in 2002.
She declined to comment when asked how much the conference will cost.
“I am not in a good position to disclose the cost of the conference,” she said, adding that the government will fully sponsor the conference.
