Senegal and the European Union (EU) are intensifying their security cooperation in response to the growing challenges of irregular migration and human trafficking. On Tuesday, 8 July 2025, the second meeting of the Steering Committee of the Joint Operational Programme II (JOP II) was held in Dakar, Senegal. 

The session was co-chaired by Senegal’s Minister of the Interior and Public Security, Jean-Baptiste Tine and the EU Ambassador to Senegal, Jean-Marc Pisani. The meeting reaffirmed the partners’ shared determination to strengthen their collective response to migration-related threats. Both sides highlighted the need for sustained and coordinated action, especially in light of ongoing regional instability and recent armed attacks near Senegal’s borders. “The fight against irregular migration is far from over,” stated Minister Tine. “This meeting builds on efforts launched since 2017 and marks the beginning of a more ambitious phase in our cooperation.”

Several key initiatives are underway as part of JOP II including the construction of border posts and reception centres for rescued migrants; the procurement of air and maritime equipment to improve border surveillance; a nationwide awareness campaign aimed at raising the public’s awareness on the dangers of irregular migration. “These actions reflect the strength of our strategic partnership with the EU,” the minister continued, “and our mutual commitment to improving migration governance and reinforcing border security.”

Minister Tine also stressed the importance of an inclusive, multi-stakeholder approach. He called for greater involvement from local authorities, civil society and community-based organisations, in addition to traditional security and government actors. “A truly sustainable response to migration and security challenges must come through collective mobilisation,” he concluded.

CFA 23 billion investment across five (5) strategic pillars

Launched in December 2023 for a duration of five years, the Joint Operational Programme II (JOP II) will run until May 2028 and covers the entire territory of Senegal. With nearly CFA 23 billion in funding (approximately €34.75 million) from the European Union, the programme is being implemented by CIVIPOL, the French Ministry of Interior’s technical operator, in partnership with the Spanish agency FIAP, through a joint Senegalese-European team.

JOP II is structured around five key strategic pillars: strengthening the capacities of security forces to combat migrant smuggling and human trafficking; securing land borders; protecting maritime zones and conducting rescue operations at sea; providing care and protection for victims and;  raising public awareness about the risks of irregular migration and promoting local employment opportunities.

EU Ambassador to Senegal, Jean-Marc Pisani, acknowledged the significant progress made since the programme’s inception. He highlighted several achievements: “the deployment of strategic equipment in sensitive areas, including drones and maritime surveillance tools; specialised training for security forces focused on local skill-building; and the activation of a coordination mechanism among different security actors.” According to the European Union, ensuring security requires a collective and sustainable approach, grounded in cooperation, trust and solidarity. However, Ambassador Pisani also underlined the need to accelerate implementation, improve coordination across EU-funded projects, and strengthen monitoring efforts with clear, shared indicators to guide overall progress.