The Joint Operational Programme II (JOP II), an EU-funded security initiative in Senegal, has achieved concrete results including the launch of 21 border crossing points, deployment of 13 vessels, and construction of a maritime maintenance base in Dakar, according to a press release from the European External Action Service (EEAS) dated 15 July 2026. The programme, worth nearly 23 billion CFA francs (€34.75 million), aims to strengthen Senegal's capacity to combat irregular migration, human trafficking, and maritime insecurity.
The steering committee for JOP II met on 9 July 2026 in Dakar to review mid-term progress. Chaired by Senegal's Minister of the Interior and Public Security, Mouhamad Mackar Cissé, and EU Ambassador Jean Marc Pisani, the meeting brought together technical teams and key stakeholders. Participants commended the results achieved and reaffirmed their commitment to reaching the programme's objectives within the five-year timeframe, which began on 1 December 2023.
Key deliverables to date include the construction of 21 Border Crossing Points, one Border Surveillance and Patrol Unit, one Centre for the Care of Victims Rescued by Sea in Dakar, four Reinforced Territorial Brigades, and six mobile living units on beaches. Specialised equipment has been handed over, and 13 vessels have been deployed alongside dedicated infrastructure. Training and mentoring for security forces have also been provided.
strengthening the fight against migrant smuggling and human trafficking through targeted training; optimising land border surveillance and control mechanisms; supporting defence forces in securing the maritime border with an integrated approach; and protecting victims through a human-rights-respecting, multidisciplinary security response. It also includes awareness-raising among the population about the risks of irregular migration through strategic communication and community dialogue.
JOP II is implemented by Civipol, the technical cooperation operator of the French Ministry of the Interior, in partnership with FIAP, the Spanish cooperation agency, and led by a Senegalese-European team. Partner institutions include the National Police, Gendarmerie, Customs, Ministry of Justice, the Interministerial Committee for Combating Irregular Migration (CILMI), and the National Committee for Combating Trafficking in Persons (CNLTP). The programme operates throughout Senegal.
The steering committee identified priority actions to ensure the programme's continued success, though specific next steps were not detailed in the press release. The EU delegation to Senegal has not announced further funding or extensions beyond the current five-year cycle.