ABOUT THE CENTER
The Centre for Transnational Crimes and Strategic Threats conducts research and analysis on evolving transnational threats affecting regional and international security. The Centre focuses on threats such as organized crime, human trafficking, illicit financial flows, arms smuggling, cyber threats, and strategic risks impacting the Horn of Africa. Through research and policy engagement, the Centre supports efforts to strengthen regional cooperation, resilience, and response mechanisms against emerging security threats.
STRATEGIC CONTEXT
Porous borders, vast ungoverned spaces, and rapid technological adoption have catalyzed the growth of sophisticated transnational criminal enterprises. These networks not only drain national economies but frequently synergize with terrorist organizations and armed rebellions.
Transnational criminal networks operating across the Horn of Africa increasingly exploit weak governance and porous borders to facilitate terrorism, human trafficking, illicit trade, and cyber-enabled crime. These interlocking threats pose serious risks to regional security, economic stability, and state sovereignty. Addressing them demands coordinated regional responses, robust intelligence sharing, and policy interventions grounded in rigorous research and analysis.
EXPANDED RESEARCH DOMAINS
Illicit Economies and Smuggling Networks
Tracking human trafficking, as well as the smuggling of contraband, narcotics, and natural resources (e.g., gold, charcoal)
Cyber Warfare and Information Disorder
Analyzing the weaponization of social media, state-sponsored disinformation campaigns, and vulnerabilities in national cyber infrastructure.
Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW)
Mapping the illicit supply chains that arm non-state actors across the region, enabled by the porous borders and chronic instability that characterize the Horn of Africa
Maritime Piracy and Blue Economy Threats
Addressing illegal fishing, toxic waste dumping, and the resurgence of piracy threats
METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH & POLICY IMPACT
The Center publishes research through bulletins, policy briefs, and books, and regularly convenes workshops, seminars, conferences, roundtable discussions, and consultative meetings. Through these initiatives, the Center provides direct analytical and policy support to law enforcement agencies and policy makers in the region.
FEATURED ANALYSIS
PUBLICATIONS FROM THIS CENTER
Authors: Hamadi I. Boga, Halimu S. Shauri, Hassan A. Mwakimako, Mohammed S. Mraja, Stephen O. Akoth
Radicalization into Violent Extremism in Coastal Kenya: Genesis, Impact and Responses
Authors: Mustafa Yusuf Ali, Mumo Nzau, Hassan Khannenje
The Changing Dynamics of Terrorism and Violent Extremism: Policy and Practice
Authors: Mustafa Yusuf Ali, Mumo Nzau, Hassan Khannenje
The Changing Dynamics of Terrorism and Violent Extremism: An Analysis
Authors: Mustafa Y. Ali, Ph.D.
The Globalization of Terrorism: From Sicariis, Assassins to ISIS