By Alpha Sesay
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) marked a significant milestone on January 20, 2024, with the official launch of the Migration Information & Data Analysis System (MIDAS) at the Gbalamuya Border Crossing Point in Kambia District. This launch is part of a pilot phase programme aimed at introducing MIDAS and enhancing border management capabilities in Sierra Leone.
Christos Christodulides, the IOM Head of Office, highlighted the genesis of the project during the launch. In January 2022, IOM initiated the ‘Strengthening the Border Management Capacity of the Government of Sierra Leone’ Project, backed by support from the IOM Development Fund. The two-year project focused on deploying MIDAS systems at the Gbalamuya Border Crossing Point and the Immigration headquarters, contributing to the formulation of the National Integrated Border Management Strategy for Sierra Leone. Christodulides underscored that these efforts align with the Sierra Leone National Migration Policy, launched in 2022 with technical assistance from IOM.
The newly installed MIDAS at the Gbalamuya Border is designed to streamline the capture and verification of travelers’ biographic and biometric data using state-of-the-art technology such as document readers, webcams and fingerprint readers. This automation aims to expedite and improve the accuracy of information collection, ultimately reducing the workload at border crossings.
The IOM Boss acknowledged the collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and expressed gratitude to the IOM Development Fund for the financial support. He urged the Immigration Department to take full responsibility for the system, ensuring its effective implementation.
Honorable Alusine Kanneh, the Chief Immigration Officer, commended IOM for their timely support, emphasizing the pivotal role of the MIDAS System in securing Sierra Leone’s borders. He cited successful implementations in Guinea and Liberia, urging IOM to extend similar installations to all major border crossing points. Mr. Kanneh stressed the importance of maintaining the integrity of collected traveler information for national security.
Rtd. Major General David T.O Taluva, the Minister of Internal Affairs, expressed gratitude on behalf of the Government and people of Sierra Leone for IOM’s support in realizing President Bio’s Integrated Border Management System priorities. He outlined plans for collaboration with Guinea’s Internal Affairs Minister and underscored the MIDAS system’s crucial role in strengthening national borders.
With the operationalization of the MIDAS System at the Gbalamuya Border, the Internal Affairs Minister expressed confidence in the government’s ability to collect, process, store, and analyze travel information in real-time, adhering to personal data protection laws. He emphasized the system’s potential to enhance the Sierra Leone Immigration Department’s monitoring capabilities, providing an effective tool for cross-checking and managing security risks. He assured IOM of the government’s commitment to supporting the replication of such projects across all class A border crossing points in the country. The Minister concluded by officially launching the MIDAS System.
