The IIJ Academic Unit successfully completed the third edition of its Counter-Terrorism: Academic Curriculum (CTAC) for Anglophone Practitioners from West and East Africa, generously funded by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Counterterrorism (CT Bureau). The in-person component took place in Malta from 13 to 17 October 2025, following an online phase held from 20 October to 2 December 2024.
This edition brought together 25 prosecutors and investigators from Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Somalia, and Tanzania, who engaged in discussions, practical group exercises, and scenario-based learning. The in-person course built on skills introduced during the online component by applying them to reactive counterterrorism cases. The course included interactive case study-based exercises on responding to terrorist attacks, inter-agency coordination and crime scene management. Further sessions covered topics ranging from arrest and detention, witness protection and case management to terrorist financing. The course culminated in a moot court exercise requiring participants to develop legal arguments regarding admissibility and disclosure of sensitive material.
The IIJ is grateful to His Excellency Mr. Matt Skelly, High Commissioner of Australia to Malta for enabling the attendance of Detective Superintendent Thomas Walker, of the Australian Federal Police (AFP). DS Walker contributed throughout the course and provided an important presentation on prosecution, rehabilitation, and reintegration of returning foreign terrorist fighters.
The course also benefited from insights shared by esteemed experts, Ms. Kirsty Brimelow KC, barrister (England and Wales), and Mr. Duncan Ondimu OGW, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (Kenya), as well as Mr. Matthew Steadman, Field Investigator at Conflict Armament Research (CAR). The course was led by the IIJ, Academic Unit team including Ms. Rachel Rushby, Resident Fellow, Mr. John Hughes, Senior Practitioner, Ms. Ikram Mensi and Mr. Julien Loty, Programme Managers.