South Sudan trains border officers to strengthen regional free movement
South Sudan has launched a training program for frontline immigration and border police officers aimed at strengthening border management and supporting the country’s implementation of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Protocol on Free Movement of Persons.
The training, supported by the IGAD Secretariat, the International Labour Organization, the European Union and the International Organization for Migration, focuses on improving the skills and coordination of officers responsible for managing the movement of people across South Sudan’s borders.
Mujib Jemal, an IGAD Secretariat immigration expert
Mujib Jemal, an IGAD Secretariat immigration expert, said the initiative builds on South Sudan’s commitment to regional free movement after the country signed the IGAD Protocol on Free Movement of Persons in June 2022.
A national action plan and implementation roadmap for ratifying the protocol were validated in Juba in June 2025, he said.
Jemal said strengthening the capacity of immigration and border officials is essential as IGAD member states advance regional integration and mobility.
“Border management cannot be the responsibility of one institution or country alone,” Jemal said, emphasizing the need for cooperation among immigration authorities, police, neighboring countries and regional and international partners.
He said effective border management must address emerging challenges including migrant smuggling, human trafficking, illicit trade and other forms of transnational organized crime while facilitating safe, orderly and regular movement.
The training is being conducted under the Free Movement of Persons and Transhumance Phase 2 project, implemented through a partnership between IGAD and the ILO, with support from the European Union and collaboration with the IOM African Capacity Building Centre.
KOSSIVI DOUTOWOVO Technical Officer FMPTII ILO
An ILO representative said borders are not only points of security control but also places where regional integration becomes practical, allowing people to seek employment, conduct business and maintain social and economic ties.
The representative said effective border governance should balance security with the facilitation of movement, protection and respect for migrants’ rights.
The ILO said regular labor mobility can help address skills shortages, expand employment opportunities, support businesses and contribute to economic integration among IGAD member states.
The training will cover migration governance, integrated border management, labor migration, interagency cooperation, information and identity systems, document security, protection mechanisms and cross-border coordination.
Participants were encouraged to draw on their experience at airports, border checkpoints and headquarters to identify practical solutions that can be applied in their respective duty stations.
YUANG MAKETH YUANG Director of Training Civil registry National Passport and immigration
A South Sudanese official attending the event said effective border management is particularly important as the country participates in IGAD and wider East African regional integration initiatives.
He said foreigners entering South Sudan should pass through established border procedures, including proper document checks, while respecting the country’s laws, norms and cultures.
The initiative is expected to strengthen cooperation among South Sudan’s border agencies and improve the country’s ability to manage cross-border movement while supporting regional integration, security and sustainable development.
