Advancing Libya’s Border Security and Management (ALBSaM) celebrated the conclusion of the project with a Closing Event on 14 October 2024 in Tripoli, Libya. Implemented from January 2023 to October 2024 with financial support from the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic, the project aimed at contributing to the progress of border security and management institutional reforms in Libya. Key achievements include supporting the development of a draft Integrated Border Management (IBM) Strategy. As the project draws to a close, this event provided an opportunity to reflect on its achievements alongside our Libyan partners.
The ALBSaM project engaged closely with key Libyan institutions through a collaborative, inter-agency approach, including the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Defence, and the Libyan Customs Authority.
During the ALBSaM closing event, Stepanka Litecka, Chargée d’Affaires a.i of the Czech Republic Embassy to Libya and Tunisia highlighted that
Through this project, we [Czech Republic] aimed to contribute to a stronger, more secure Libya by supporting the development of Integrated Border Management, which is a cornerstone of national security. IBM is not only about controlling borders; it is about building a system that ensures safe, secure, and efficient border crossings, while preventing illicit activities that threaten both Libya and the region.
Echoing this statement, Julien Simon, Head of Mediterranean Region at ICMPD, emphasised that
Our work in developing an IBM strategy is not just about addressing immediate security concerns; it reflects a broader vision of multi-dimensional governance that corresponds to the challenges of contemporary migration flows.
In its effort to enhance the coordination and operational capacity of border security and management institutions in line with core IBM standards, the project organised training sessions, workshops, and consultations. These efforts laid the groundwork for the development of a national IBM Strategy in Libya, along with the outline and initial draft of the Action Plan to guide its practical implementation.
Gen. Mohammed Almrhany, Head of the Libyan Border Guards at the MoI and Chair of the Technical Committee noted that
Libya’s unique geographical location, linking Africa, the Mediterranean and Europe, places it at the heart of complex dynamics. (…) Protecting Libya’s borders ensures the safety, security and stability of the country and the region. (…) This draft strategy will be a key document in the framework of our efforts to prepare the overall national plan for Integrated Border Management.
The project also facilitated the participation of Libyan delegations in key international events, including ICMPD’s 6th International IBM Conference in Istanbul, Türkiye, and the International Conference on Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence in Border Management in Amman, Jordan. These visits provided valuable opportunities for multilateral and bilateral discussions, networking, and the exchange of best practices in border management and security.
Beyond the foreseen outcomes, the project also initiated the work on the institutional establishment of Strategic Risk Analysis Units within relevant border agencies under the Ministry of Defence, in line with the specific objectives of the draft IBM Strategy.
Additionally, the project further provided technical support to various institutions to enhance operational capabilities. This included the procurement and delivery of equipment for the main beneficiaries.
The “Advancing Libya’s Border Security and Management” (ALBSaM) project was funded by the Ministry of Interior of the Czech Republic and implemented by the ICMPD office in Libya.
