The Gambia Immigration Department (GID), in partnership with the European Union (EU) and the Spanish National Police, on Thursday launched the second phase of the Common Operational Partnership (COP II) and its affiliated CompACT project aimed at strengthening migration management and border security.

The launch ceremony, held at the African Princess Hotel in Palma Rima, brought together senior government officials, security chiefs, diplomats and international partners.

Speaking at the event, the Head of the EU Delegation to The Gambia, Ms Immaculada Roca Cortés, praised the Gambian government’s cooperation with EU-backed initiatives and stressed the importance of implementing immigration reforms to combat transnational organised crime.

She reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting the GID through the COP II and CompACT projects, which are being implemented by the Spanish National Police.

Spanish Ambassador to The Gambia, Ms Dolores Ríos Peset, highlighted the achievements of the first phase of the programme, describing them as evidence of a strong partnership between the two countries. She underscored the need for continued international cooperation to tackle irregular migration and human smuggling.

GID Director General Ebrima Mboob expressed appreciation for the EU’s continued support, noting that the first phase of the project had delivered significant gains in migration management and border security. He called for deeper collaboration to strengthen efforts against transnational organised crime.

Representatives of the Spanish National Police, including COP Operations Director Salvador Manzano and CompACT Facilitator Juan Carlos Zujeros, said the new phase would focus on combating irregular migration, migrant smuggling and related criminal activities while protecting vulnerable migrants from dangerous journeys.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Interior Minister Abdoulie Sanyang, Permanent Secretary Amadou Nyang said international cooperation remains vital in addressing emerging security threats and improving border governance.

He expressed confidence that COP II would build on previous successes and enhance national and regional efforts to manage migration and combat organised crime.