Ouagadougou:The International Organization for Migration (IOM), collaborating with the Ministry of Security, concluded a workshop for the regional project aimed at enhancing border security in Burkina Faso, the Republic of Guinea, and Togo. This initiative, supported by the United States, began in October 2024 and has focused on reinforcing border management.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the two-year project in regions such as Liptako, Dj´r´, Nando, and Yadga involved infrastructure rehabilitation, equipment acquisition, staff training, and bolstered regional cooperation. Four border police posts were upgraded and equipped, while five patrol vehicles and ten mobile kits of the MIDAS computer system were procured to improve migration data management.

The project also enhanced the solar power supply to several border posts and trained over 150 National Police officers. Information technology specialists' skills were also developed. Additionally, the project fostered cooperation among Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Togo through information exchange mechanisms, regional workshops, and a network of technical experts for border management.

Laurent Guittey, representing the IOM Chief of Mission in Burkina Faso, emphasized the importance of capitalizing on these achievements and formulating recommendations to ensure the project's sustainability. He reiterated IOM's commitment to effective migration management and interoperability of post-border data.

Chief Commissioner of Police Marcel Kafando, the project manager at the Ministry of Security, highlighted the project's role in improving the identification of wanted persons at borders and enhancing screening processes. He affirmed Burkina Faso's dedication to consolidating the project's achievements by strengthening national ownership and continuously developing the capacities of relevant actors, as well as mobilizing necessary resources for ongoing operations.