A dozen experts-trainers from the Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DST) are being trained from February 17 to 20, 2025, in Abidjan-Cocody on border control techniques, specifically combating document and identity fraud, human trafficking, and migrant smuggling. This training is part of the "Strengthening Border Management and Preventing Human Trafficking in Côte d'Ivoire" project (BMTHB CI), funded by the Czech Republic.

The project benefits from the collaboration of the "Border Management in Côte d'Ivoire" project, which is financed by the Swiss Confederation and implemented by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD).

According to Soridio Dao, Deputy Director of the Air and Border Police and representative of the DST Director, the trainers, once trained, will go to prefectures and districts to train other border agents who, in turn, will train others at the borders.

"More and more, insecurity arises from document fraud. People may enter with identities that are not theirs, and this can foster insecurity in the country. Therefore, if agents are well-equipped at the borders, they will be able to protect the country more effectively," he said.

For his part, the Deputy Head of Mission at the Czech Embassy, Matej Denk, stated that his country is proud to partner with Côte d'Ivoire through this project, with a total funding of nearly one million euros, or about 650 million CFA francs.

"We want to contribute to the stability and security of Côte d'Ivoire, as well as the West African region. This is part of the partnership between the Czech Republic and Côte d'Ivoire, which has strengthened in recent years," explained Matej Denk.

As for the project manager of "Border Management in Côte d'Ivoire," Natalija Spunjini, she announced that a total of six training sessions are planned.