On 26 May 2025, the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law (IIJ) and the Centre de Formation Judiciaire (CFJ) of Senegal signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise and strengthen their cooperation in the justice sector. The MoU was signed at the CFJ office in Dakar by Mr. Naoufel Gaied, Director of the IIJ Academic Unit, on behalf of Mr. Steven Hill, the IIJ Executive Secretary, and Mr. Souleymane Teliko, Director General of the CFJ. This agreement sets the foundation for sustained collaboration aimed at building the capacity of criminal justice actors and enhancing coordination in countering terrorism and other complex transnational crimes.

This partnership reflects a natural evolution of the strong ties already established between the two institutions. Several senior CFJ staff members are alumni of the IIJ, having participated in specialised training programmes and practitioner-led workshops designed to strengthen legal frameworks, investigative techniques, and inter-agency cooperation. 

By joining forces, the IIJ and CFJ will co-develop and implement specialised training programmes, promote the exchange of expertise, and support national and regional efforts to uphold the rule of law while addressing pressing security challenges in a manner consistent with human rights and international standards. This MoU represents a shared commitment to fostering sustainable, practitioner-driven solutions in support of more effective and resilient justice systems in Senegal and across West Africa.