Thirty sub-prefects from the regions of Kédougou, Kolda, and Tambacounda are participating in a training course organized at the National School of Administration (ENA) in Dakar from April 13 to 16. The initiative, led by the NGO Coginta in partnership with the Directorate General of Territorial Administration (DGAT), the National Border Management Commission (CNGF), and the ENA, is part of the "RéZo–Stability and Cohesion" project, funded by the European Union.

This session aims to equip local authorities with the skills necessary to address the growing security and socio-economic challenges in Senegal's border areas. Participants will be trained in territorial security governance, crisis management, the prevention of violent extremism, the fight against transnational organized crime, as well as issues related to climate change and natural resource exploitation.

"This training is the first step in a broader program designed to promote a concerted approach to crisis prevention and a common culture of vigilance, dialogue and cooperation," Coginta emphasizes.

Senegal's border areas face multiple threats: rising violent extremism, illicit trafficking, intercommunal conflicts, tensions over natural resources, irregular migration, and the impacts of climate change. To address these challenges, Senegal has adopted a National Border Management Policy (PNGF-SN), overseen by the CNGF.

The RéZo – Stability and Cohesion project, planned over three years (December 2024 - February 2028), aims to strengthen security, stability, and social cohesion in the border areas of Senegal, Mali, and Guinea. Implemented by Coginta, it brings together the ministries responsible for Territorial Administration, Public Security, and Mines, as well as the National Gendarmerie and local stakeholders.

Through this initiative, the European Union and Coginta reaffirm their commitment to sustainably support the resilience of border regions in West Africa.