Ouagadougou: The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Ministry of Security inaugurated a new border police post in Galgouli (Kampti commune), in the Djoro region, on the border with Cote d’Ivoire, on Wednesday. The ceremony was presided over by the Chief of Staff to the Minister of Security, Emmanuel W. Zongo, in the presence of an IOM delegation, senior national police officials, and local authorities.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the modern and fully equipped building was constructed by IOM as part of the “Migration and Border Governance” program and features the MIDAS (Migration Information and Data Analysis System), a technology for managing and analyzing migration flows.
On this occasion, the IOM handed over to the Ministry of Security five patrol vehicles and ten MIDAS mobile kits, aimed at enhancing the mobility and operational effectiveness of security forces in the field.
The Chief of Staff, Emmanuel W. Zongo, emphasized the cooperation, which reflects the commitment of the government and its partners “to making our borders safer and more humane.” He expressed gratitude to the IOM for its support in modernizing border police services.
“Beyond the opening of an important infrastructure, today we celebrate the fruit of a strong and lasting partnership between the government of Burkina Faso and the International Organization for Migration,” said Divisional Police Commissioner Emmanuel W. Zongo.
The IOM coordinator, Ousmane Niang, representing the head of mission, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting Burkina Faso in managing migration and securing border areas.
“This post in Galgouli represents the realization of a strong ambition, namely to contribute sustainably to the security of the national territory while strengthening the management of migration flows. This is a clear testimony of the renewed commitment of the IOM alongside the government of Burkina Faso,” he said.
The president of the special delegation of Kampti, Massahiba Aime Soulama, also expressed gratitude for this donation, which he described as “a breath of fresh air for security and local development.”
According to the IOM, eight border police posts have already been built or rehabilitated under this program, and several water boreholes have been drilled to benefit local communities. These investments, according to the organization, aim to promote better integration of security services in border areas.