September 1, 2009 - The border security meeting convened by ICPAT for Ethiopia and Sudan was held on August 31 and September 1 in Addis Ababa. The meeting was attended by 24 officials and experts from the two countries.

The Ethiopian delegation was led by the Minister of State for Federal Affairs, while the Ambassador dealing with border affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Khartoum led the Sudanese team. Ambassador Brook Debebe, Ethiopia's Special Envoy to IGAD also attended the meeting.

 

Participants heard reports presented by two teams of researchers from the two countries that had carried out two month long field assessments along both sides of the common border that stretches for 1600 kilometers. They were also addressed by experts from the Office of the President of Uganda and from the Addis Ababa University.

 

The meeting adopted a series of recommendations covering the following areas:

 
  • Development of infrastructure in border areas
  • Development of border security forces
  • Capacity building for border officials/public awareness measures
  • Dealing with migration, settlement and the protection of the environment
  • Promoting trade and combating contraband
  • Strengthening and assisting the work of joint commissions/committees
  • Demarcation.

 

It is expected that the two countries would take measures to implement the recommendations which go some way to address the issues of security along the common border.(ICPAT Information)

 

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