The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has handed over an immigration facility to authorities at the Majokyithiu Point of Entry and Exit in the Eastern part of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, a press release said.
The improved border infrastructure, funded by Japan Supplementary Budget, comes with a new water yard at the immigration office, a fully installed Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS) which is a user-friendly and customizable Border Management Information System with the capability to collect, store, and analyze traveler information in real-time.
The facility also has a four-room prefab furnished with mattresses and bed sheets to provide migrants access to accommodation in case needed after a long journey.
“The migrant support facility will also be used when conducting interviews with migrants in case they experience protection concerns while on the move and as a rapid response facility for stranded migrants as the point of entry/exit is an active smuggling route for travel to the Mediterranean through Libya,” the IOM statement said.
IOM also donated one 3-door hard-top Landcruiser vehicle to support the movement of immigration officials for referral purposes of migrants who may need urgent support, fully installed security lights, and another rehabilitated Community Water yard providing access to a safe and clean water source.
“Majokythiu is a busy point of entry for traders from South Darfur State and as such, it is essential for both Sudan and South Sudan for transporting food, and health care supplies between the two countries. With the additional migrant protection facility, travelers will now be protected”, said Col. Thon Bol Agok, Chief of Immigration at Majokyithiu Point of Entry/Exit.
The improvement of infrastructure builds on activities that were supported by the Government of Japan in 2016 which saw the construction of an office building, gender-segregated latrines, and a fence around the immigration office.
“This water yard constructed by IOM does not only provide water, but it also contributes to keeping us safe from gender-based violence. We no longer have to go far distances where we used to be attacked looking for water” Achol Angok Agiu, one of the community members where the rehabilitated community water yard sits.
According to IOM, the current project on “Building Resilience at Northern borders in Responding to Human Security Risk” supported by the Government of Japan targets more than 8,000 people aim at using the human security principles to mitigate crimes and public health risks through the strengthening of border management capacities while recognizing the importance of community participation in addressing issues at the borders.
“Since March 2021, the project has been supporting the government and the community of South Sudan through strengthening institutional and individual capacities at Majokyithiu point of Entry to mitigate transnational crimes and public health risks and protect migrants, and also strengthened collaboration between law enforcement and community member in contributing to building resilient societies to human security risk through community policing approaches in Aweil South Sudan,” the statement said.