UNAFRI Strengthens Engagement with Ethiopia on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice

Dr Gift Joseph Kweka, UNAFRI Director of Training and Programs (far left), and Mr Andrew Munanura Karokora, UNAFRI Acting Director General (second from left), paid a courtesy visit to the Ethiopian Embassy, where they were received by an Embassy delegation led by Her Excellency Etsegenet Bezabih Yimenu, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (second from right).

UNAFRI held a fruitful engagement with H.E. Etsegenet Bezabih Yimenu, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, to introduce the Institute’s history, mandate and role in advancing crime prevention and criminal justice across Africa.

H.E. Etsegenet Bezabih Yimenu presents Ethiopian coffee to Mr Andrew Munanura Karokora, during the courtesy visit to the Ethiopian Embassy.

The discussion highlighted UNAFRI’s 28 Member States that have signed its Statute and explored Ethiopia’s potential accession as a Member State. The two sides also discussed cooperation in combating human trafficking, promoting youth engagement and strengthening regional collaboration.

UNAFRI presented the African Youth Crime Prevention Platform and its commitment to creating opportunities for young Africans within the criminal justice system. The Ambassador welcomed the engagement, appreciated the Institute’s work and expressed readiness to visit UNAFRI at an opportune time.

As UNAFRI prepares for its relaunch on 25 November 2026, strengthening institutional partnerships and raising awareness of its mandate remain important priorities in advancing a safer and more just Africa.