Overview

With threats becoming global, criminal networks internationalising and technology evolving rapidly, academic institutions are strengthening their training initiatives to give African and international practitioners, professionals, researchers and officials up-to-date skills suited to today's security challenges. In this context, the Alioune Blondin BEYE Peacekeeping School (EMP-ABB), in partnership with Kurukanfuga University of Bamako, decided to strengthen its academic offer, in line with its mission of training, research and public policy support in peace, security and criminal justice. One of the flagship initiatives of this effort is the Master's in Organised Crime, Terrorism and International Criminal Cooperation (MACOTEC), an innovative programme designed to equip national, regional and international actors with the analytical and operational tools needed to understand, prevent and combat complex forms of crime and terrorism.

This two-year Master's combines theory, case studies, practical work and expert talks, building knowledge of criminal dynamics, legal responses and international criminal cooperation mechanisms. It offers students high-level content based on international standards, emerging practices and teaching methods suited to the professional demands of the sector. It fosters interaction with specialists from national and international institutions, strengthens participants' analytical, intercultural and operational skills, and prepares them to work effectively in professional environments where mastery of transnational crime issues and criminal cooperation procedures is a major strategic asset. It gives learners the opportunity to strengthen their professional skills, broaden their understanding of international security issues and improve their contribution to public policy, security institutions and judicial mechanisms. It is also an essential lever for improving their performance in constantly changing environments that demand expertise, rigour and strategic vision.

This call for applications is launched to select the students of the third MACOTEC cohort, limited to 30 students to ensure personalised follow-up and the best teaching quality.

Through this selection process, the EMP-ABB seeks motivated, committed candidates able to take full advantage of a programme of excellence devoted to organised crime, terrorism and international criminal cooperation.

General objectives

Train officials able to analyse, prevent and effectively manage contemporary threats linked to organised crime, terrorism and security crises, by strengthening their analytical, legal, strategic and operational skills.

Learning objectives

• Master the core concepts of transnational crime, terrorism and security crises;
• Use modern tools for analysis, crisis management and intelligence gathering and exploitation;
• Strengthen inter-agency coordination and international criminal and security cooperation;
• Integrate the principles of international humanitarian law and human rights into counter-threat action.

Curriculum and organisation of teaching

The Master's is structured over two years (four semesters). It combines theory, case studies, practical work and expert talks, and ends with a research thesis.

Practical arrangements: classes start on 5 October 2026; classes from 5 pm to 9 pm; EMP-ABB, Bamako.

Teaching methodology

• specialised theoretical courses;
• real case studies;
• summary seminars;
• field visits;
• simulation and crisis management exercises;
• lectures and talks by national and international experts;
• research thesis.

Admission requirements

This programme is open to anyone holding at least a Bachelor's degree (LMD system) or equivalent in one of the following fields:

• Legal, Political and Administrative Sciences;
• Economics and Management;
• Science and Technology;
• Health sciences;
• Human and Social Sciences;
• Agricultural Sciences;
• Education and Training Sciences;
• Any other relevant related field.

Application file

The application file must include:

• a stamped application addressed to the Director General of the EMP-ABB;
• a certified copy of the Baccalaureate;
• a certified copy of the Bachelor's degree or equivalent;
• certified copies of any higher degree (if applicable);
• a birth certificate;
• a Curriculum Vitae;
• a letter of motivation;
• a letter of financial support or a funding guarantee;
• 4 recent passport photos;
• original diplomas presented at the interview;
• payment of a ten thousand (10,000) CFA franc application fee against a receipt (non-refundable), payable directly at the secretariat for paper submissions or by Orange Money to (+223) 93 02 99 98 for online submissions.
• Opening: Monday 20 April 2026
• Closing: Monday 31 August 2026

Files can be:

• sent by email to: mastercaress@empbamako.org;
• submitted in person to the CARESS at the EMP-ABB in a sealed envelope marked:

“Application for the Master's in Organised Crime, Terrorism and International Criminal Cooperation (MACOTEC)”.

• Venue: EMP-ABB, Boulevard Mohamed VI, Bamako – Mali.

Enrolment procedure

Original diplomas are presented at the interview. The first instalment (50% of tuition fees) is due on admission, before classes start.

Submitting applications by email

Applications open from 20 April to 31 August 2026.

The file is sent by email to mastercaress@empbamako.org or submitted in a sealed envelope to the CARESS secretariat (EMP-ABB, Boulevard Mohamed VI, Bamako), marked “Application for the Master's in Organised Crime, Terrorism and International Criminal Cooperation (MACOTEC)”.

Application fee: 10,000 CFA francs, non-refundable, payable at the secretariat or by Orange Money for online submissions.

Information: (+223) 93 02 99 98.

Selection of candidates

The third cohort is limited to 30 students, to ensure personalised follow-up. Candidates present their original diplomas at the interview.

Tuition fees and payment terms

Tuition fees: 3,500,000 CFA francs, payable in three instalments:

• 50% on admission, before classes start;
• 25% at the end of the first semester;
• 25% at the end of the second semester.

Application fee: 10,000 CFA francs, non-refundable.

Career opportunities

• Threat analysts and security experts;
• Specialists in countering organised crime and terrorism;
• Officials of national, regional and international institutions;
• Crisis management and security consultants;
• Managers of peace, justice and governance projects;
• Officers of the defence and security forces;
• Researchers or teachers in related fields.

Institutional and academic partners

Kurukanfuga University of Bamako (UKB).