UNODC continues to strengthen the analytical capacity of Tajik border officers
30 July 2021
On 23-27 July, UNODC conducted a training course on the provision of informational and analytical support in management for twenty-five mid- and senior-level border officers from analytical divisions of the Border Troops of the State Committee for National Security of the Republic of Tajikistan in the Khatlon Region.
The training aimed to further strengthen the analytical capacity of the border officers to develop the workflow of information processing on the Tajik-Afghan border.
In her opening address, Ms. Sita Farrell, Director, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Office at the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe, noted: “The goal of the training is to improve the Border Troops’ capacity through enhancing its officers’ analytical skills in more efficiently addressing the cross-border threats that include smuggling of drugs, goods, and people. The U.S. government once again reaffirms its commitment to helping Tajikistan secure its borders from external threats.”
“The training is very relevant for us considering the recent developments on the border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan. The knowledge acquired by the trainees will be systematized and applied by them in their day-to-day job,” highlighted Colonel Nazarmamad Gulmamadov, Chief of Staff of the Regional Department of the Border Troops in the Khatlon Region, in his opening speech.
“The training focuses on gathering, strategic and tactical analysis of intelligence concerning smuggling illicit drugs and other contraband and assessing the threats posed by organized crime. The competent and thorough analysis aids the agency to correctly deploy resources and be able to monitor certain border areas more effectively. The training will contribute to the enhancement of the informational and analytical system of management bodies, units and divisions of the Border Troops of Tajikistan,” said Mr. Mustafa Erten, Head of UNODC Programme Office in Tajikistan, in his opening remarks.
Upon completion of the training, the participants were awarded certificates. They noted that the training was highly informative and relevant and such trainings would enhance the efficiency of their job.
“I would like to thank the organizers of this training for providing us with the opportunity to gain new knowledge and skills required for our activities and trainers for their professionalism. The training programme was comprehensive, to the point and delivered in an accessible form,” noted S. Safarov, a border officer.
The training was organized as part of the UNODC Initiative on Strengthening Control along the Tajik-Afghan Border under the UNODC Regional Programme for Central Asia for 2015-2021. The initiative is focused to utilize the train-the-trainer approach to ensure the sustainability of intelligence collection methods and analytical capabilities. It is in line with the National Border Management Strategy of the Republic of Tajikistan for 2010-2025.
The initiative is funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).
