Baghdad, September 19, 2024
The EU-funded “Integrated Border Management in the Silk Routes Countries” project, implemented by ICMPD, conducted an equipment handover ceremony at the Border Force Command in Baghdad, and subsequently inaugurated the Border Force Training School in Basrah after successful renovation. The ceremonies took place on September 17th and 18th respectively. The events marked a celebration of a long work conducted by the project to strengthen Iraq’s border management capabilities through the provision of capacity building, specialised equipment , and digital solutions.
On Tuesday, the official handover ceremony hosted by Major General Mohammed Abul Wahab Sukkar, Commander of the Iraqi Border Force, was attended by H.E. EU Ambassador Thomas Seiler, Dr. Ali-Al-Yasery from the National Security Advisory, and the ICMPD delegation led by Ms. Marija Raus, Head of Regional Office for Silk Routes. The event highlighted the strong partnership between ICMPD, the Iraqi Ministry of Interior, and the European Union in enhancing border security in Iraq. During the handover, ICMPD presented the Border Force with the advance control equipment, which will be distributed to the border force brigades and customs stations across the country.
These advanced tools will significantly enhance the Border Force’s ability to conduct night-time operations, and protect Iraqi borders against multiple threats. In addition to the physical equipment, ICMPD developed the Border Force Information Management (BFIM) Application, a digital solution for real-time incident reporting and risk analysis. Major General Sukkar in his remarks expressed his gratitude for the support and emphasised the impact of advanced equipment and tools on border security operations. The ceremony concluded with a tour of the Operations Centre, showcasing how the new technologies will be integrated into existing systems.
Further, on September 18th, High-level officials from the Ministry of Interior and ICMPD delegation gathered in Basrah for the official inauguration of the newly renovated training school. This institution has long been crucial for the professional development within the Border Force in Iraq.
The renovation represents more than just physical improvements; it contributes to a renewed commitment to preparing future generations of trained border officials. The IBM Silk Routes project, funded by the European Union, emphasizes the importance of adopting new training curricula, supporting national trainers, developing digital training materials, and implementing distance and hybrid learning tools. A notable achievement highlighted during the ceremony was the development of Iraqi trainers capable of delivering specialized courses without relying on external experts. This progress demonstrates the capacity-building efforts and the project’s endeavor to ensure sustainability among border management capacities in Iraq.
This equipment handover and the opening of the training school represents a significant step in the five-year cooperation between ICMPD and the Iraqi Border Force under the Integrated Border Management (IBM) Silk Routes project, which included the development of the National IBM Strategy for Iraq, establishment of risk analysis units, and comprehensive training programs for border officials.
