Strengthening Security of Major Sporting Events: Preparing for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations in Nairobi, Kenya
The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), through its Global Programme on Security of Major Sporting Events and Promotion of Sport and its Values as a Tool to Prevent Violent Extremism, held a strategic workshop in Nairobi, Kenya on 3-4 December 2024, on enhancing the security of major sporting events for preventing and countering violent extremism, bringing together stakeholders from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
The workshop was co-organized with Kenya’s National Counter Terrorism Centre in the lead-up to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to support host countries’ preparation efforts. It facilitated the exchange of good practices to update and strengthen policies for the protection of major sporting events and surrounding vulnerable targets. It also highlighted the potential of the 2027 AFCON to promote sport as a powerful tool for fostering social cohesion and building resilience to violent extremism conducive to terrorism.
Over 100 participants attended, representing diverse sectors, including government, international and regional organizations, law enforcement, the private sector, sports federations, clubs and associations, and civil society. Participants included representatives from the National Counter-Terrorism Centres of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda; INTERPOL; the African Union’s Sports Council and Counter-Terrorism Centre; the Confederation of African Football; the International Olympic Committee; and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).
Discussions covered a broad range of topics such as regional terrorist threats and trends, border security and management, and the threat posed by drones. Participants also explored the role of major sporting events in promoting social cohesion, gender and human rights considerations, international cooperation, public-private partnerships, and the use of emerging technologies to ensure a safe and secure 2027 AFCON with a lasting socio-economic legacy.
The multisectoral workshop included plenary discussions, keynote speeches, and breakout sessions and concluded with the development of a three-year action plan to support host countries in their planning and delivery of the 2027 AFCON. This plan is based on key findings and recommendations from participants, ensuring that actions are tailored to the specific contexts and needs of the host countries.
Background
Major sporting events have the power to captivate and unite large audiences, creating vibrant connections between fans, the sports industry, and host cities. When effectively managed and secured, these events can enhance local sports participation, foster community development, promote gender equality, empower youth, and drive urban development. However, several high-profile events have also been targeted by terrorists seeking to cause mass causalities, spread fear and distrust, and undermine their unifying spirit. UNOCT’s Global Programme on Security of Major Sporting Events and Promotion of Sport and its Values as a Tool to Prevent Violent Extremism supports Member States in safeguarding major sporting events from terrorist threats by providing technical assistance, producing knowledge products, and enhancing inter-agency and international coordination, while also leveraging the unifying power of sport to build resilience to violent extremism conducive to terrorism.