Keur Ali, Farafenni – IOM The Gambia, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior (MOI), laid the foundation for the construction of three new border posts in Keur Ali, (Farafenni); Giboro and Amdallia and handed over three new vehicles to The Gambia Immigration Department (GID) under the project “Enhancing Border Management Capacities of The Government of The Gambia (GoTG) to Promote Peace, Stability and Security” funded by the Government of Japan.

The handover ceremony was held on the 29^th February at Keur Ali border post in Farafenni, under the framework of IOM’s Immigration and Border Governance programme.

Through the programme, IOM is working with the GoTG in strengthening the operational capability of border management systems and enhancing concerted border management cooperation between various stakeholders and thus contribute to better border governance, peace and stability in the key border areas of The Gambia as well as neighboring countries, through introduction of integrated border management practices.

“The construction of these borders will positively transform our border management strategies,” said Siaka Sonko, Hon. Minister, Ministry of Interior. “Strengthening border security aligns with our national security priorities to promote safe, regular and orderly migration as well as improve socio-economic activities along the borders,” he added.

The three border posts set for construction will be equipped with office space layout, furniture, and equipment, fencing traffic flows, Weighbridges and storage facilities, joint inspection and control facilities, solar powered generator kits to provide access to reliable power and solar powered water boreholes at the three border posts to provide water to the border posts and for the border communities. The construction of the new border posts at the three PoEs, in consultation with the Government of The Gambia, will be based on a standardized border post building design taking into consideration the regulatory frameworks and current and future volume of traffic.

In addition, each of the three border posts will have a Land Cruiser Hardtop, 10-seater, 5 Door vehicle to support patrols and surveillance at the target Points of Entry (PoE) in The Gambia.

“This support to The Gambia’s security sector aims at strengthening its capacity to address all types of threats. In this regard, border management is critical in maintaining peace and stability in the country,” said H.E. Osamu Izawa, Japan Ambassador in Dakar, Senegal.

These interventions by IOM followed numerous support including expansion of Migration Information Data Analysis System (MIDAS12) installations for data management at the three new PoEs; Establish a document fraud and detection lab to conduct risk analysis at the GID Headquarter; establishment of MIDAS connectivity with Interpol databases joint trainings of border officials in The Gambia and Senegal on document examination, fraud detection, intelligence gathering and risk analysis, and protection of vulnerable migrants and trainings of border officials on basic and advanced Migration Information Data Analysis System (MIDAS).

The new border posts and vehicles will contribute to facilitate safe and orderly migration, mitigate security threats and cross-border organized crimes, promote health and humanitarian border management as well as contribute to socio-economic development,” expressed Emmanuel Murwisi, IOM The Gambia Chief of Mission.

The project aims to achieve its objective through enhancing the operational systems, human resources, administrative and technical capacities of border management authorities to facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people; mitigate security threats, transnational organized crime and irregular migration; and positively promote peace, stability and security along important transport corridors.

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For more information, please contact Lamin W. Sanneh at IOM The Gambia; Tel: +220 700 5122 Email: lasanneh@iom.int