Four players place their hands on each other’s shoulders. Photo credit: Donghyuk Park

Hérémankono, Guinea and Koindoukura, Sierra Leone  – On 7 June 2023, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Guinea and Sierra Leone came together to celebrate African Border Day with a unique combination of cross-border sports activities and a comprehensive training programme for border officials. This joint effort aimed to popularize the African Union Border Day, highlight the importance of peace and regional integration, and facilitate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

At the border areas, participants from diverse communities in Guinea and Sierra Leone took part in a day filled with friendly competition and camaraderie. Organized by the two IOM missions and the Talking Drum Studio, a variety of sporting events, including football, tug-of-war, running and three-legged races, showcased the spirit of cross-border cooperation and unity. The enthusiastic participation demonstrated a shared commitment to strengthening relationships and fostering peaceful coexistence.

Concurrently, a training programme on cross-border cooperation was organised for border officials from both countries. With a particular focus on cross-border cooperation and conflict management, facilitating the implementation of the AfCFTA, the training equipped these frontline professionals with essential knowledge related to trade facilitation, customs procedures and cross-border cooperation mechanisms. The programme included interactive sessions and case studies to enhance participants’ understanding of the implications of the AfCFTA for regional trade. By equipping these officials with the necessary tools and knowledge, the training aimed to streamline cross-border processes, reduce trade barriers and maximise the benefits of the AfCFTA for Guinea and Sierra Leone.

“The African Border Day celebrations serve as a powerful reminder that borders should not divide us, but rather be bridges that connect us. We recognize the tremendous potential of the AfCFTA to drive economic growth and strengthen trade relations,” stressed Ms. Aminata Sobra Bangoura, Deputy Director of the National Border Commission of Guinea. “Through this event, we aim to bring people together, encourage dialogue and strengthen cooperation between our two countries by combining the excitement of sports with practical training for border officials. We aim to strengthen cross-border relations, facilitate cooperation and harness the benefits of regional integration,” added Mr. Donghyuk PARK, Chief of Programmes of the IOM Mission in Guinea.

In the same vein, Samuel Bullie, Director of Border Security, National Security Bureau of Sierra Leone, stressed that “maintaining peace in the border communities is important for the stable development of both countries. Therefore, I encourage border personnel to work towards deepening collaboration, communication and peace.”

In conjunction with the African Border Day celebrations, a milestone was reached with the holding of the third bilateral meeting of the Trans-Border Transhumance Committee. Transhumance, the seasonal movement of herders and their livestock, often requires a

coordination and cooperation between neighboring countries to ensure peaceful and sustainable resource management. Representatives from Guinea and Sierra Leone met to engage in constructive dialogue, share information and experiences regarding transhumance practices. Participants exchanged valuable information on the upcoming agricultural season, including the timing of planting, harvesting and livestock movements. This exchange aimed to facilitate better coordination and understanding between communities, thereby reducing the risk of conflicts related to overlapping activities.

IOM’s celebration of African Border Day in Guinea and Sierra Leone served as a remarkable example of the potential for peace, harmony and unity in Africa. The joint effort to organize both sporting events and a training programme on cross-border cooperation demonstrates a comprehensive approach to fostering relationships, promoting understanding and building bridges between neighbouring countries. It is hoped that such initiatives will inspire other African nations to strengthen cross-border ties, leading to a more interconnected and prosperous continent for all.

The event was organized within the framework of the project “Strengthening Cross-Border Peace and Sustainable Livelihood Development of Livestock Keepers and Farmers in Sierra Leone and Guinea”, funded by the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (PBF).