The Commissioner of Central River Region, Kaba Mbaye, joined by a delegation from Banjul led by Assistant Commissioner Binta KJ Barrow, received the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) Steering Committee and the Peace Building Fund (PBF) Joint Security Committee (JSC) on a Joint Monitoring Field Visit to the Tabanding Immigration Border Post in the Central River Region.
The UNSDCF Steering Committee and PBF Joint Security Committee are the coordinating and oversight bodies for the UN’s cooperation agenda and peacebuilding initiatives in the Gambia, initiatives that share common priorities in promoting sustainable development, peacebuilding and institutional strengthening.
In an effort to enhance an evidence-based decision making and project monitoring, the visit aimed to evaluate the deliverables of the construction of the Tabanding Immigration Border Post through the support of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and funding from the United Nations Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF). The project, which commenced in December 2021, led to the construction of the border post, provided standard office furniture, and championed the installation and operationalisation of the Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS) with all relevant appliances, including a high-powered 20kW Solar energy system.
The project has also supported initiatives to curb transnational organized crimes, a phenomenon that threatens cross-border cooperation, trade, peace and stability through enhanced capacity building trainings for immigration officers in document security, media and conflict resolution technique and the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol. Reflecting on the impact of the project, ACI Barrow presented on the backdrop, impact, challenges and sustainability plan, highlighting the significance of the initiative in streamlining migration and border management.
Mr. Karl- Frederick Paul, UN Resident Coordinator, and team-lead of the delegation, expressed satisfaction with the project, commending the GID-IOM project management efforts in boosting operational efficiency and supporting the UNSDCF peace-building initiatives.
He was was accompanied by Senior officials of UN Agencies and Government Ministries such as Mr Landing Kinteh, Chief of Staff, Office of National Security; Dr. Mariam John, Ministry of Public Service; Ms. Mandisa Mashologu, UNDP Resident Representative; Immaculada I. Cortes, EU Ambassador; Stephane Dovert, Head of Delegation, French Embassy; Ousman Bah, British High Commission; Mr Dominique Buchholt, Political Advisor, German Embassy and others. The delegation gained first-hand demonstration of the operability of the MIDAS system.
The GID, under the leadership of DGI Ebrima Mboob, extends its appreciation to IOM, UNSDCF, UN Peacebuilding Fund, other UN Agencies, and the Government of the Gambia for the continuous support. The Department remains committed to providing effective service and border management through stakeholder cooperation and coordination.
