Gaborone, Botswana – President Duma Boko has called on African nations to forge a stronger, intelligence-driven alliance to combat the growing crisis of synthetic drugs, warning that the threat is advancing faster than traditional law enforcement can contain.
Speaking at the opening of the African Union (AU) Global Coalition Continental Consultation on Synthetic Drug Supply Reduction in Gaborone on August 25, 2025, Boko emphasized the transnational nature of synthetic drug networks, which increasingly exploit technology to traffic substances and launder illicit profits. He cautioned that these operations are undermining regional security, destabilizing economies, and endangering public health.
“Our response must be equally swift and strategic,” Boko said, urging the adoption of intelligence-led policing, reinforced regional cooperation, comprehensive legal frameworks, and greater community engagement. “We cannot allow these networks to operate with impunity.”
Amma Twum-Amoah, AU Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development, outlined the continental body’s multipronged strategy. Key measures include establishing early-warning systems, creating integrated data platforms, and enhancing capacity-building to strengthen member states’ responses.
The three-day consultation, held under the theme “Strengthening Efforts Towards Addressing Drug Trafficking and Advancing Crime Prevention, Justice, Criminal Justice and Rule of Law in Africa,” brings together policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and health experts to coordinate strategies against the fast-evolving drug trade.