Mombasa – Kenya’s Director of Public Prosecutions, Renson Ingonga, has called on Commonwealth nations to close ranks in the fight against terrorism and transnational organised crime, warning that no country can tackle these threats alone.
Speaking at the opening of the 23rd Heads of Prosecuting Agencies Conference (HOPAC) in Mombasa, Mr Ingonga urged countries to take a united stand against extremism, cybercrime, and illicit financial flows.
“These crimes know no borders,” he said. “They demand that we work together, not in silos. Through cooperation, we can protect our societies more effectively.”
The three-day meeting has drawn prosecutors, justice officials, and legal experts from across the Commonwealth, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Uganda, Zambia, and Mozambique. Among the Kenyan officials attending are Attorney General Dorcas Oduor and Director of Criminal Investigations Mohammed Amin.
Mr Ingonga pointed to regional and international frameworks already in place such as the Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) Unit, the Commonwealth Cyber Declaration, and the Commonwealth Security Group as practical channels to reinforce collaboration. He stressed that these are not just bureaucratic initiatives, but “critical tools” for confronting complex threats.
“We must not only focus on punishing offenders,” he added. “Addressing the root causes through reconciliation, reintegration, and rehabilitation must also be part of our approach if we want lasting peace.”
He called on fellow prosecutors to make the most of the gathering. “Let us seize this opportunity to build bridges, break down barriers, and forge an unbreakable chain of collaboration,” Mr Ingonga said.
The conference also provides a platform for candid discussions around modern prosecution challenges. From tackling online hate speech to responding to radicalisation, many participants agree the work of prosecutors is growing more complex.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, a senior official from Zambia, who requested not to be named, said: “We’re dealing with criminal networks that move faster than our laws. We need each other now more than ever.”
Legal scholars and representatives from the International Association of Prosecutors were also in attendance. Many welcomed the emphasis on a broader, more holistic approach to justice one that balances enforcement with prevention.
As the summit continues, attention is likely to turn to how these ideas will be translated into concrete action. For now, the mood is clear: the world’s prosecutors see shared challenges, and they’re looking for shared solutions.
