November 25, 2024 (Tadjourah, Djibouti): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has conducted a five-day intensive training on border governance for 50 participants from Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Somalia in Tadjourah, Djibouti.
The training aimed to strengthen the capacities of law enforcement officers and border administration officials from IGAD Member States.
During the training, participants received both theoretical and practical knowledge on international boundary law, border management techniques, combating cross-border crime, and fostering security cooperation.
At the conclusion of the training, Mr. Yonis Farah Abdillah, a lawyer in the Office of the Minister of the Interior and head of the Djiboutian delegation, stated that the seminar effectively blended theoretical courses with practical exercises, significantly enhancing participants’ expertise in border governance.
“I am convinced that the concepts assimilated during this seminar will enhance the quality and performance of each official, enabling them to actively contribute to securing our borders. Border security is integral to ensuring national security,” Mr. Yonis Farah noted.
Mr. Mahad Abdi Adan, from the Joint Operations Coordination Center and trainer with the Somali Police Force, emphasized that the training equipped participants with the tools needed to address the complex challenges of border management.
Mr. Ansha Tla, Deputy Commissioner of the Ethiopian Federal Police, expressed gratitude to the Djiboutian government and IGAD for their hospitality and commitment to regional cooperation.
On behalf of IGAD’s Director of Health and Social Development, Madam Fathia Alwan, Ms. Lucy Daxbacher, program coordinator, thanked the Government of Djibouti for their warm welcome and unwavering support throughout the training.
Mr. Mohamed Houmed Abass, Prefect of the Tadjourah Region, highlighted the workshop as a unique opportunity to strengthen the capacities of border and immigration officials from the three participating countries.
The training was organized under the European Union-funded program to support the Free Movement of Persons and Transhumance.
This initiative allowed participants to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to:
- Improve border security and prevent cross-border threats.
- Facilitate trade and the free movement of people.
- Strengthen regional cooperation in border management.
This training aligns with IGAD’s efforts to enhance regional security and promote cross-border cooperation through integrated border management, contributing to sustainable and inclusive development in the region.
