From May 19th to 29th, 2025, the Academic Unit of the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law (IIJ) successfully concluded the in-person component of the 7th Counter-Terrorism Academic Curriculum (CTAC) course in Dakar, Senegal. Delivered in French and generously funded by The Centre de crise et de soutien (CDCS) of the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs , this programme of excellence brought together 21 prosecutors, investigators, and investigative judges from Benin, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Chad, and Togo, all of whom had successfully completed the online component of the CTAC held between October and December 2024. The course provided a unique opportunity to foster regional collaboration and strengthen capacity in the fight against terrorism.
Participants engaged in dynamic sessions covering the emergence of terrorist threats in the Sahel, Gulf of Guinea, and Central Africa, along with the critical challenges of cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts. The programme featured in-depth discussions on mutual legal assistance requests, coordination of services, sub-regional and international judicial cooperation, information sharing, and the development of effective cooperation networks. Specialised modules and practical exercises addressed the complexities of asset seizure in criminal cases and the forensic analysis of firearms and ammunition.
The course was enriched by the expertise of renowned professionals, including Gail Malone, senior prosecutor and former Director of the IIJ Programmatic Unit; Seidik Abba, a leading researcher and journalist specialising in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin; Eric Beranger, former head of RAID, France’s elite police tactical unit; and Claudio Gramizzi, senior advisor at Conflict Armament Research.
Mr Luc Pierron, Political advisor of the French Embassy in Dakar and representative of the French Embassy, noted during the closing ceremony, "I was truly impressed by the high calibre of the participants and the spirit of cohesion and professionalism that defined their collaboration. This event underscores the strategic importance of such initiatives in strengthening our collective response to terrorism and promoting lasting security in partner countries. France remains firmly committed to working closely with its partners, and we commend the IIJ for its critical role in the effective implementation of such impactful programmes."
The IIJ’s Academic Unit Director, Naoufel Gaied, delivered closing remarks, highlighting the participants’ commitment and the importance of the IIJ’s community in countering terrorism worldwide. He expressed "Having experienced this CTAC alongside you [participants], two words come to mind: “community” and “courage.” Community, because you truly reflect the CTAC’s goal: building a network of legal practitioners who are stronger together against the daily threat of terrorism. Your camaraderie and solidarity are the foundation of a resilient and lasting community. Courage, because your commitment, experience, and professionalism throughout the CTAC matched the scale of the threat, a threat that, sadly, reminded us of its reality almost daily through recent attacks in several of your countries. Yet, the rule of law remained at the heart of your work. Your dedication honours both you and the IIJ, which was privileged to share this experience with you. My thanks go to our donor. “Community and courage”, this is what France has supported through the CDCS."
As these practitioners return to their respective countries, they do so with enhanced expertise, stronger professional networks, and a renewed commitment to regional security. The IIJ looks forward to continuing its vital work in supporting criminal justice professionals and advancing the rule of law in the fight against terrorism.
