Sudan takes Initiative in the Detection and Interdiction of Foreign Terrorist Fighters

Khartoum – In response to a request from the Government of Sudan, the UN deployed a multi-agency delegation from 3 to 5 December to assess Sudan’s current capability to use passenger data to detect and interdict foreign terrorist fighters in accordance with UN Security Council resolution 2396 (2017).

“The Sudanese authorities are to be commended for inviting this mission and arranging for all relevant stakeholders to participate actively in the assessment. They gave consistent and strong expressions of commitment,” said delegation leader Dr. Raffi Gregorian, who runs the UN’s Office of Counterterrorism (UNOCT).

He noted that “when implemented properly, the UN CT Travel Programme can help Sudan meet its obligations under UN Security Council resolution 2396 and demonstrate its willingness to be a credible and reliable partner in countering international terrorism,”  He added that “having such a system in place can also help Sudan preserve its sovereignty and territorial integrity while making it possible to facilitate legitimate travel and boost the economy.”

Launched on 7 May 2019, the UN Countering Terrorist Travel Programme is implemented by UNOCT through an “All-of-UN” partnership with the Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the Office of Information and Communications Technology (OICT), and the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL). The Programme includes an assessment component and provides legislative and operational support, transport industries engagement, and technical assistance using the UN goTravel software system.