United NationsOffice of Counter-Terrorism

Published purpose

This project aims to strengthen regional capacities for border governance and security in West Africa by enhancing strategic coordination, communication and evidence-based planning among key actors. The Integrated Border Stability Mechanism (IBSM) with its 4 Secretariat agencies coordinates administrative and programming activities in focus countries. These agencies are the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), the United Nations Office on Counter Terrorism (UNOCT) and the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC). By reinforcing the IBSM Secretariat as a driver of strategic coordination and policy coherence, the project supports the efficient prevention and countering of terrorism, transnational organized crime and irregular migrations affecting stability in West Africa’s border areas. Through dedicated information exchange platforms and structured partnership mechanisms, the project seeks to improve communication, shared understanding, and operational knowledge between national authorities, regional actors, international partners, and donors. Project activities include: (1) establishing stakeholder forum for technical and strategic partners; (2) organizing partnership meetings; (3) implementing IBSM’s Communication and Visibility strategy; (4) providing coordination, oversight and assessment of ongoing IBSM projects; and (5) developing comprehensive technical interventions.