Abidjan –The rise of violent extremism and transnational organized crime has become a global threat to States and their populations, and security is a growing concern for many West African countries whose borders may be porous to cross-border criminal activities. In this context, Côte d’Ivoire has undertaken reforms of its border management and control system.

Through the new project “Supporting Border Management in Côte d’Ivoire”, the European Union and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are supporting the efforts of the Government in this regard. This project will contribute to improving the country’s security by strengthening the operational capability of actors involved in national border management.

“Through the construction of new border posts, IOM supports the Ministry of the Interior and Security’s efforts to address the many security challenges related to threats and transnational crimes which are real obstacles to the socio-economic development of local communities,” said Marina Schramm, IOM Chief of mission in Côte d’Ivoire.

The first border police station was built and inaugurated on March 17, in Gbéléban, a town in North-western Côte d’Ivoire at the border with Guinea.

By May 2019, IOM will have among others built and equipped four border police stations; supported the government in updating and harmonizing its legislation on migration flow management at the borders of Côte d’Ivoire and raised awareness among 8,000 people from border communities and 120 border police officers to foster the collaboration for effective border management.

The Minister of Interior and Security, Sidiki Diakité, the Minister of Economy and Finance, Adama Koné, the European Union Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, H.E. Jobst von Kirchmann, and Marina Schramm, IOM Chief of Mission attended the inauguration.

For more information, please contact at IOM Côte d’Ivoire Marina Schramm mschramm@iom.int or Jacopo Carbonari jcarbonari@iom.int.