Workshops on the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural property for professionals in East and Central Africa

The 5-day workshops, in Nairobi (Kenya) and then in Libreville (Gabon), bring together nearly 100 professionals, men and women, from 23 countries.

The lectures, structured around theoretical presentations and practical cases, will train participants, particularly law enforcement officers, in the tools and operating methods used at national and international levels to fight against illicit trafficking. The agenda also includes the training of museum professionals on risk management and emergencies, particularly the handling and storage of cultural objects and the inventorying of collections.

A joint day will bring together these two groups of professionals, allowing them to work together, among other ways through practical cases following seizures or theft of cultural property.

Each region has its own specificities in the fight against this scourge. The participants, who come from the same region and therefore face similar issues, will be able to share their common vision on the effects of the ratification and the implementation of the Convention on the protection and preservation of cultural heritage in their respective national context. To date, 70% of Central African countries and over 60% of East African countries are State Parties to the 1970 Convention. These workshops are also an opportunity to recall the major tool that this normative reference text constitutes, and to advocate for universal ratification in Africa in order to reinforce its effectiveness.

These workshops will also help to strengthen the network of trained and committed professionals who know how to effectively manage situations where heritage is at risk.

Sweden supported the organisation of these two workshops, and Gabon for the workshop Central Africa.

More information :

• Programme of the workshop East Africa in Nairobi (Kenya)
• Programme of the workshop Central Africa in Libreville (Gabon) [Coming soon]