As INTERPOL prepares for a significant leadership transition, the global community is keenly observing the process and implications. The selection of the next Secretary General is not just a routine appointment but a decision that will influence international law enforcement and cooperation amid growing concerns about abuse of power within the Organization.
The CANDIDATES
The current frontrunners for the position are:
Stephen Kavanagh (UK 🇬🇧): Former Chief Constable of Essex Police, with a strong background in counter-terrorism and international policing. Currently – Executive Director for Police Services at INTERPOL.
Mubita Nawa (Zambia 🇿🇲): A high-ranking officer known for his work in regional security cooperation in Africa.
Faisal Shahkar (Pakistan 🇵🇰): An experienced law enforcement officer with extensive work in criminal investigations and counter-terrorism.
Valdecy Urquiza (Brazil 🇧🇷): Recognized for his efforts in combating organized crime in South America. Currently – INTERPOL Vice-President for the Americas.
Each candidate brings a unique set of skills and experiences, reflecting the diverse challenges INTERPOL faces in today’s complex geopolitical landscape.
The Selection Process – what is next?
- The Executive Committee will interview the mentioned candidates at its next session in June 2024.The Executive Committee scrutinizes the applications, assessing each candidate’s qualifications and vision for the Organization’s development.
- The final decision on WHO WILL BE INTERPOL’s NEXT SECRETARY GENERAL will be made at the General Assembly session in November 2024 (which will be hosted in Glasgow, UK).
This rigorous process is designed to ensure that the chosen Secretary General can uphold the Organization’s declared values of transparency, integrity, and international cooperation.
The Context: Allegations and Reforms
The backdrop to this selection process includes serious allegations about INTERPOL’s mechanisms being exploited by authoritarian regimes. Reports from sources like The New York Times, Reuters, BBC and others highlight instances where the organization’s resources have been used to target political dissidents rather than legitimate criminals. This misuse undermines INTERPOL’s credibility and effectiveness.
Key Issues to Address:
- Preventing Abuse of Red Notices: Ensuring that the Red Notice system is not used for political persecution.
- Enhancing Transparency: Implementing measures that make INTERPOL’s operations more transparent to member countries and the public.
- Strengthening Internal Oversight: Establishing robust mechanisms to monitor and address any misuse of INTERPOL’s resources.
Why It Matters
The choice of the next Secretary General is critical because it will determine how effectively INTERPOL can reform and address these challenges. The new leader must balance the Organization’s law enforcement responsibilities with the need to safeguard human rights and political neutrality. One of the challenges for the future INTERPOL’s Secretary General will be dealing with the countries who have a proven record of abusing the INTERPOL system (such as China, Russia, Turkey, Belarus, Iran and others).
The upcoming General Assembly in November 2024 will be a pivotal moment for INTERPOL. It is not just about choosing a new leader but about setting a course for the future of global policing. Will the Organization rise to the challenge and restore its reputation, or will it continue to struggle with issues of misuse and abuse?
As the world watches, the decision will undoubtedly shape the landscape of international law enforcement for years to come.
