Border Communities Research Articles

Deadly Force by U.S. Customs and Border Protection: An Analysis of Fatal Encounters with Latinos

Federal agencies are largely underrepresented when examining the dynamics of officer-involved killings. Amid discussions of police and immigration reform is the underexplored role of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Given the increased focus on reports of deaths at the U.S.–Mexico border, CBP agents’ use of deadly force warrants further scholarly attention. To address this gap in the literature, we rely on data from the Southern Border Communities Coalition and CBP to examine Latino individuals’ fatal encounters involving agents (2010–2023). We qualitatively analyze the characteristics of, and actions within, such encounters. Major findings and implications for theory and policy are discussed.

Problems of Good Governance in Managing Indonesia’s Borderland: The Case of Entikong Subdistrict

The present study explores the good governance processes of border management in Entikong Subdistrict. The Entikong Subdistrict in West Kalimantan is a priority district that receives special attention from Indonesian central and local governments. The Entikong border post started operating in 1989, making it the first land border in Indonesia. Nevertheless, despite its aged history and many development efforts within the area, the economic growth and welfare of the border community remained stagnant. The data for this article were collected through a field work in Entikong for four months in 2022 in which we conducted observation, interviews, and focus group discussion with local residents and government officers. This study reveals that good governance became the focal issue explaining Entikong’s lack of development by providing two problems in the border development at Entikong: 1) the government’s inconsistency on the road widening project and 2) the complexity of governance and bureaucracy. This paper further elaborates on the essence of locality in good governance practices while simultaneously addressing the authority division problems and communication towards the demands of the local community. This study argues that better public communication patterns should be implemented to avoid misunderstandings within the community and increase the participation of local citizens, government, and civil society in the development process of the border area.

Effectiveness of Fulfilling the Basic Needs of Communities in the Border Area in Nunukan District, North Kalimantan Province

Development in the trade sector is an effort or strategic step in development in the border area, one of which is fulfilling the basic needs of the border community in Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan Province. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of fulfilling the basic needs of the border community in Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan Province. This study uses a qualitative approach with data collection methods, namely observation, interviews, and documentation. Data sources consist of primary and secondary data. The data analysis technique used is an interactive analysis model. The informants in this study are parties who are authorized and directly involved in meeting the basic needs of the border area in Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan Province. The results of the study indicate that the effectiveness in fulfilling the basic needs of border communities in Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan Province is not yet effective enough. This is because in fulfilling basic needs in the border area, there is no set target. There are no regulations in this case, regional regulations and their derivatives that regulate the fulfillment of basic needs, especially the Transportation Cost Subsidy (SOA). The basis of the Transportation Cost Subsidy (SOA) policy has not been stated in regional regulations and has not been stated in the Governor's regulation. With the limited resources owned by the local government, it cannot accommodate all border area routes in Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan Province, so the local government chooses and prioritizes the route or route of the Goods Subsidy Program (SOA) in sub-districts that have more demand and needs and are most in need.

Cross border population movements across three East African states: Implications for disease surveillance and response.

The frequent population movement across the five East African Countries poses risk of disease spread in the region. A clear understanding of population movement patterns is critical for informing cross-border disease control interventions. We assessed population mobility patterns across the borders of the East African states of Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. In November 2022, we conducted Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and participatory mapping. Participants were selected using purposive sampling and a topic guide used during interviews. Key informants included border districts (Uganda and Rwanda) and county health officials (Kenya). FGD participants were identified from border communities and travellers and these included truck drivers, commercial motorcyclists, and businesspersons. During KIIs and FGDs, we conducted participatory mapping using Population Connectivity Across Borders toolkits. Data were analysed using thematic analysis approach using Atlas ti 7 software. Different age groups travelled across borders for various reasons. Younger age groups travelled across the border for education, trade, social reasons, employment opportunities, agriculture and mining. While older age groups mainly travelled for healthcare and social reasons. Other common reasons for crossing the borders included religious and cultural matters. Respondents reported seasonal variations in the volume of travellers. Respondents reported using both official (4 Kenya-Uganda, 5 Rwanda-Uganda borders) and unofficial Points of Entry (PoEs) (14 Kenya-Uganda, 20 Uganda-Rwanda) for exit and entry movements on borders. Unofficial PoEs were preferred because they had fewer restrictions like the absence of health screening, and immigration and customs checks. Key destination points (points of interest) included: markets, health facilities, places of worship, education institutions, recreational facilities and business towns. Twenty-eight health facilities (10- Lwakhakha, Uganda, 10- Lwakhakha, Kenya, and 8- Cyanika, Uganda) along the borders were the most commonly visited by the travellers and border communities. Complex population movement and connectivity patterns were identified along the borders. These were used to guide cross-border disease surveillance and other border health strategies in the three countries. Findings were used to revise district response and preparedness plans by strengthening community-based surveillance in border communities.

Evaluation of a cross-border field simulation exercise on the response to outbreaks of infectious diseases in Namanga, Kenya and Tanzania.

Travel and trade, whilst playing a critical role in economic development, contribute to the spread of infectious diseases, including novel or emerging diseases, which can threaten health security locally, regionally and globally. The World Health Organization mandates preparedness through field simulation exercises to address infectious disease outbreaks, as highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study assessed the impact of the 2019 Namanga field simulation exercise, conducted in the border town shared by Kenya and Tanzania, on improving cross-border outbreak preparedness and response. It focused on participants' knowledge, skills acquisition and real-world application. An anonymous online survey was administered to participants 37 months post-field simulation exercise. In addition, key informant interviews and a focus group discussion with the Joint Border Management Committee in Namanga were conducted. The June 2019 field simulation exercise enhanced the skills, knowledge, and confidence of participants, including members of the border community, in preparing for and responding to outbreaks including COVID-19. The skills and knowledge gained were deemed valuable, relevant, and effective for use in future response activities. The analysis is limited by potential response bias, as only participants with positive experiences of the field simulation exercise may have responded more favourably. Addressing the limitations of design and implementation of the field simulation exercise and the challenges of cross-border response identified in this study are critical to optimising future responses.

Looking beyond and into the border: understanding the concept of (il)legality along the Ethiopia-Sudan border

ABSTRACT Human migration is a defining feature of our world, yet the simplistic binary categorization of “legal” versus “illegal” movement often obscures the complexities of cross-border movement. This paper examines the nuanced spectrum of (il)legality along the Ethiopia-Sudan border, focusing on how legal frameworks and social perceptions of (il)legality shape experiences of migrants and people on the move. The study proposes categorizing migration as including sectoral classifications (laborers, tourists) and legality-based situations (overstays, illegal routes). Building upon ethnographic fieldwork conducted between 2017 and 2021, the paper analyzes the discrepancies between national migration legislation, on-the-ground enforcement practices, and lived realities of migrants and border communities while acknowledging a multifaceted landscape of performances. By exploring this dynamic, the paper contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the concept of (il)legality in migration studies, in particular in the context of the Ethiopia-Sudan border, while providing insights that extend beyond this region.

Economic Security in Border Areas: The Fulfillment of Community Welfare

Border area management entails navigating geographical complexity and socio-cultural diversity, necessitating a comprehensive approach that integrates security and welfare. This article highlights a paradigm shift from traditional to economic security, recognizing economic dependence as a potential national vulnerability. Despite challenges like geographic remoteness and economic inequality, border regions are vital for economic growth. Using a conceptual approach, the article emphasizes the need to balance security and welfare through cross-border trade development and community empowerment. While Law Number 43 of 2008 aims to manage borders, unclear authority and regulatory overlap hinder effectiveness, compounded by military-focused defense strategies, limited budgets, and inadequate infrastructure. To address these issues, enhancing international cooperation, clarifying authority, and empowering communities through local wisdom are essential. Such empowerment is expected to bolster self-esteem, reduce economic dependency, and strengthen economic security, emphasizing the importance of balancing protection with economic development. Strategies like expanding trade zones and enhancing social capital, alongside infrastructure development and improved social services, are crucial for ensuring access and fostering the welfare of border communities.

6941 Congenital Generalized Lipodystrophy - An Undiagnosed Case in an Underserved Border Community

Abstract Disclosure: D. Evans: None. A. Gutierrez: None. S. Echetebu: None. M. Zerah: None. Introduction: Congenital Generalized Lipodystrophy (Berardinelli-Seip Syndrome) is estimated to occur 1-10/10 million people1. Patients may present with specific clinical features and/or hormonal imbalances such as hyperinsulinemia and hypertriglyceridemia. Complications of CGL result in a decreased average life expectancy of 51.2 years2. Here we present a case of a female from a medically underserved city in Mexico who was not diagnosed until the age of 16, three years after immigration to the United States. Case Presentation: The patient lived in Mexico and had little medical care. After she immigrated, she was referred to Pediatric Endocrinology due to an elevated hemoglobin A1c, hypertriglyceridemia, and elevated liver enzymes. At birth and in adolescence, the patient did not resemble any of her five fully biological siblings, had little adipose tissue, and had well-defined musculature. Physical exam findings included generalized absence of adipose tissue and prominent musculature, large hands and feet, acromegaloid features, acanthosis nigricans, hirsutism, and phlebomegaly. Breast development was Tanner Stage IV, and genitalia was Tanner Stage V, without clitoromegaly. Patient is currently being treated by psychiatry for Major Depressive Disorder and suicidal ideation. Results: She was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus due to elevated glucose on OGGT and hypertriglyceridemia. She was then started on a low carbohydrate diet, Metformin, and Atorvastatin. After treatment a significant improvement in labs were observed. Triglyceride levels decreased from 1112 mg/dL to 392 mg/dL(35-150 mg/dL), A1c from 8.5% to 5.8%(<5.8%), AST from 36 U/L to 16 U/L(12-32U/L), and ALT from 51 U/L to 20 U/L(5-32U/L). OGGT levels measured after treatment began were as follows: fasting: 95 mg/dL (70-100mg/dL), 1 hour: 242 mg/dL (130-140 mg/dL), and 2 hours: 229 mg/dL(<155 mg/dL). A liver ultrasound was normal. Genetic testing, Echocardiogram, EKG, and Leptin levels are all pending. Discussion/Conclusion: This case of an adolescent with CGL, who was not diagnosed until 16 years of age, demonstrates not only the health disparities and challenges faced by patients in border communities, but it also demonstrates the lack of knowledge of CGL in healthcare. By presenting this case, we hope to increase awareness of CGL within the medical community at large, and to improve the quality of life of our patients.

Analisis Kelompok Kegiatan Masyarakat Sempadan Sungai dalam Hubungannya dengan Upaya Menjaga Kebersihan Sungai di Wilayah Kelurahan Sungai Lulut Kecamatan Banjarmasin Timur Kota Banjarmasin Provinsi Kalimantan Selatan

Sungai Lulut sub-district is one of the sub-districts within the East Banjarmasin sub-district, Banjarmasin City. Most of the daily activities of the river border communities in this sub-district consist of market and shop activities. It is thought that population density and the rise of trade activities can affect the cleanliness of rivers. At least two types of waste were found on the river border of Sungai Lulut Village, East Banjarmasin District, namely domestic waste and commercial waste. There are indications of a relationship between community activity groups and efforts to deal with waste and rubbish, thus showing their influence on community efforts to maintain river cleanliness. It is also indicated that the age and education level of the community are influencing factors, as can be seen from the student-level community groups whose involvement is relatively low in efforts to deal with waste to keep the river clean.

Promoting Intercommunity Relations for Effective Security and Peacebuilding along the Sokoto-Zamfara-Katsina Axis of the Nigeria-Niger Borderland

This article explores the emerging narratives surrounding the persistent phenomenon of armed banditry in the region. It focuses on the factors and actors driving banditry along the Nigeria-Niger borderlands. Using data from both primary and secondary sources, the study reveals that internal strife along the borderlands and the collapse of state control have facilitated the proliferation of small arms, significantly increasing the intensity of banditry in Nigeria's northwest. The research concludes that the prolonged neglect of border communities has deprived them of basic necessities, exacerbating the situation. As a result, Nigeria’s northwestern states—Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina, which border Niger—have become safe havens for raiders and bandits, who, in some cases, establish 'informal structures' of control over the borderland communities.

The importance of institutional capacity in drinking water supply system governance: A policy evaluation from border area

In most developing countries, the equal access to clean and potable water is a major challenge faced by many communities. This research aims to evaluate water supply system governance policies as well as potential springs, constraints and problems related to the water needs of border communities. This research is a descriptive study using a qualitative approach. The qualitative approach looks at policies, institutions, conflicts, and problems faced, as well as looking at data on water sources, socio-economic challenges, culture, and local wisdom. The research location was in Belu Regency, on the Indonesia-Leste Timor border. Research informants were representatives of local government, academics and the community. The problems faced are the underdevelopment of piped networks due to budget constraints, low capacity and quality of human resources, and the absence of specific regulations governing the Drinking Water Supply System (SPAM). The study area has springs spread across 11 subdistricts, with raw water potential ranging from 0.5 to 250 liters per second. Most of these water sources are good for community consumption, but some have not been optimally utilized so that they cannot be fully utilized to meet the needs of the population. The results show that SPAM management policies can be implemented to a certain extent, but have not yet run optimally because they still require capacity building and competence of the apparatus and local communities and an increase in the role of local governments to help implement central government policies in relation to assistance tasks and as a tool for deconcentration of the central government. In conclusion, the potential of raw water sources has not been fully utilized due to the challenges of infrastructure development and the limited capacity of human resources and budgets. Without good management and institutional support, communities will continue to face problems related to access to clean water.

Project GIVE: using a virtual genetics service platform to reduce health inequities and improve access to genomic care in an underserved region of Texas

BackgroundThe utilization of genomic information to improve health outcomes is progressively becoming more common in clinical practice. Nonetheless, disparities persist in accessing genetic services among ethnic minorities, individuals with low socioeconomic status, and other vulnerable populations. The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) at the Texas-Mexico border is predominantly Hispanic/Latino with a high poverty rate and very limited access to genetic services. Funded by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Project GIVE (Genetic Inclusion by Virtual Evaluation) was launched in 2022 to reduce the time to diagnosis and increase provider knowledge of genomics in this region, with the goal of improving pediatric health outcomes. We describe our experience of establishing a virtual pediatric genomic service in this region to expeditiously identify, recruit, and evaluate pediatric patients with undiagnosed diseases.MethodsWe have utilized an innovative electronic health record (EHR) agnostic virtual telehealth and educational platform called Consultagene to receive referrals from healthcare providers in the RGV. Using this portal, genetic services, including virtual evaluation and genome sequencing (GS), are being delivered to children with rare diseases. The study has also integrated effective methods to involve and educate community providers through in-person meetings and Continuing Professional Education (CPE) events.ResultsThe recruitment efforts have proven highly successful with the utilization of Consultagene in this medically underserved region. The project’s ongoing engagement efforts with local healthcare providers have resulted in progressively more referrals to the study over time, thus improving inclusion and access to genomic care in the RGV. Additionally, the curated CPE content has been well received by healthcare providers in the region.ConclusionsProject GIVE study has allowed advanced genetic evaluation and delivery of GS through the virtual Consultagene portal, effectively circumventing the recognized socioeconomic and logistical barriers to accessing genetic services within this border community.

Social and Economic Development of Rural Border Area in Malaka and Belu Regencies (Border of Indonesia-Timor Leste)

Indonesia and Timor Leste have the same land area; these countries are located on Timor Island. It encourages interaction between regions, which can have positive or negative impacts. The adverse effects of the two countries' interaction must be minimized by formulating a strategy for developing border areas, especially village areas that directly border neighboring countries. This research aims to identify rural border communities' social and economic interactions and formulate development strategies for rural border areas in the Malaka and Belu Regencies. This research uses a qualitative research approach. The data collected includes a description of the social and cultural interactions carried out by rural communities and factual conditions that constitute strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities in developing rural border areas. The analysis results explain that the interactions between rural borders include socio-cultural and economic interactions in trade activities. The strategy for developing rural border areas is to increase defense and security and maintain social cohesion in border areas; strengthen local potential in each village; encourage rural economic activities (BUMDes or Cooperatives) to grow and develop, and export rustic products; form clusters in rural border areas with the same potential; strengthening cooperation networks with higher education, the private sector and non-governmental institutions in improving and developing rural border areas; strengthening rural economic activities with rural border markets; increasing rural community participation in border area maintenance efforts; as well as improving access to basic infrastructure, in particular electricity, roads, water and telecommunications.

The tale of two Badakhshans: Determinants of access and utilization of HIV preventive services along the Afghan-Tajik border.

Injection of opioids has contributed to growing HIV epidemics in Tajikistan and Afghanistan. This qualitative study explored determinants of access to primary prevention and screening for HIV among people who inject drugs (PWID) residing in border communities of Gorno-Badakhshan, Tajikistan and Badakhshan, Afghanistan. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with PWID, community leaders, and healthcare workers. The social-ecological model was used to inform a thematic analysis of determinants of access. There were no preventive or screening services for HIV in the border districts of Afghanistan. Barriers to accessing HIV-related services in Tajikistan, and to accessing general health services in Afghanistan, included: lack of knowledge about HIV, inaccessible communities with poor infrastructure, discrimination and violence against women, and stigmatization of PWID and people living with HIV. Access to HIV-related and other health services by PWID was facilitated by community leader support, family support, outreach services, and linkage of harm reduction services with HIV testing and care. Urgent interventions are needed to stem the escalating HIV epidemic in Afghanistan and enhance existing services in Tajik border communities. This qualitative study offers insights into barriers and facilitators for accessing HIV prevention and screening services among PWID, suggesting potential interventions.

Cross-Border Conflicts and Social-Economic Development along the Kenya-Ethiopia Border: A Case of Northwestern Kenya

Purpose: Kenya borders South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Uganda on the western side. The border is ladened with cross-border conflict involving the Turkana of Kenya, Dasanach and Nyangatom of Ethiopia, Toposa of South Sudan, and Karamoja of Uganda. The cross-border conflicts between Kenya and Ethiopia continue to ravage the social-economic development of cross-border communities on the border of Kenya. Thus, this study focused on managing the cross-border conflict and improving economic growth on the Kenyan northwestern border and Kenya-Ethiopia relations. Methodology: The study used an explanatory research design and multistage sampling. The study sampled the targeted population of 65,218 respondents of the Turkana North constituency. A descriptive analysis of 392 respondents was used in questionnaires, focus group discussions, and observation to collect quantitative and qualitative data. Findings: The findings indicate a high prevalence of cross-border conflicts, their considerable impacts on the social and economic development of the affected areas and communities, and varying levels of effectiveness of various interventions to resolve the issue. After examining the effect of cross-border conflicts on the social economic development of the Kenya-Ethiopia border, the findings showed that locals on the Kenyan side were victims of cross-border attacks from Merille of Ethiopia, as revealed by 76% of the respondents. The study acknowledged the presence of interventions for Managing cross-border Conflicts and Social Economic Development in Turkana County, Kenya-Ethiopia Border administrative mechanisms in managing cross-border conflicts and improving Kenya-Ethiopia relations. The study concluded that the effectiveness of these strategies would enhance the capacity of Kenya and Ethiopia to alleviate the social economic growth of the people and boost relations in the region. The study evaluated measures for enhancing the interventions for managing Cross-border Conflict and Social Economic Development in Turkana County, Kenya-Ethiopia Border. The study documented the state's various actions to mitigate, reduce, or eradicate cross-border conflict in northwestern Kenya. These actions were meant to address cross-border conflict and improve the social economic development of the area. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Constructivist perspective to the cross-border conflict on Kenyan-Ethiopian conflict allows for a better understanding of how identity, norms, and perceptions contribute to the prevalence and persistence of the conflicts. Such perspectives provide a more nuanced approach to the issues that transcend the traditional economic and geopolitical factors to consider the cultural and social aspects of the cross-border conflict. The study concludes that the effective implementation of the disarmament mechanism on the border of Kenya and Ethiopia contributed to the cross-border conflict and enhanced the social-economic development of Turkana County, concluding that the mechanism for cross-border conflict is adequate. However, their implementation was weak due to lacking resources and goodwill. Therefore, the study recommended that Kenya and Ethiopia address the root causes of cross-border conflicts, triggers, and accelerators by promoting effective institutional policies and administrative frameworks for managing natural resources and setting up official access crossing points. Finally, Kenya and Ethiopia pool resources to boost the livelihoods of their border communities.

Child Home Safety in Hispanic and Rural Communities Along the Texas–Mexico Border: A Community Health Worker Intervention

Low-income children are among the most affected by unintentional injuries. Although these injuries are preventable, outreach to low-income families in Hispanic and rural communities can be challenging. Community Health Workers (CHWs) are effective partners in reaching these populations. This study sought to determine whether a CHW-led intervention would reduce common hazards that increase the risk of unintentional injuries in low-income rural Hispanic homes along the Texas–Mexico border. CHWs conducted home visits to assess for injury hazards and distribute safety devices to 47 families with children ages 0 to 5 in five low-income rural border communities. CHWs provided follow-up assessments and support 30 days later. Analyses examined changes in the proportion of hazards from visits 1 to 2, with relative risks estimating the impact of safety devices on hazard reduction. Findings showed a 26.2% reduction in the total number of common hazards present in homes from visit 1 to visit 2 ( p < .001). There was a 70% reduction in the overall risk of a hazard being present at visit 2, relative to visit 1 ( relative risk = 0.30, 95% CI [0.28, 0.33], p < .001). This study suggests that tailored CHW interventions can reduce home safety hazards. CHWs are well suited to inform hard-to-reach Hispanic and rural populations, addressing feelings of distrust and promoting acceptance of recommended environmental changes. More rigorous evaluations of this intervention strategy are needed.

Between two states: Cultural relation in frontier area Indonesia-Philippines

This article aims to describe and analyze pattern of management learning communities in frontier area Indoensia-Philippines. The relationship between Indonesia-Phlippines in frontier area represents a unique intersection culture and dynamic interplay onf interaction. The people in frontier area were relating by the historical events in the past. This article using historical methods; heuristic, critics/verification, interpretation and historiography were to emphasize the utilization of primary sources. The primary source collected from the oral tradition between Indonesia-Philippines people in frontier area. This article employs a social scientific approach to elucidate the cultural relationships within border communities. Cultural relationships are indicative of an extensive process that exerts influence on communal living practices in the management of their existence as a unique identity. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the cultural relations in the frontier area between Indonesia and the Philippines. The findings offer insights into the intricate interplay of factors shaping cultural dynamics in border regions, contributing to a deeper understanding of cross-border interactions and the construction of cultural identities.

Plasmodium vivax genomic surveillance in the Peruvian Amazon with Pv AmpliSeq assay.

Plasmodium vivax is the most predominant malaria species in Latin America, constituting 71.5% of malaria cases in 2021. With several countries aiming for malaria elimination, it is crucial to prioritize effectiveness of national control programs by optimizing the utilization of available resources and strategically implementing necessary changes. To support this, there is a need for innovative approaches such as genomic surveillance tools that can investigate changes in transmission intensity, imported cases and sources of reintroduction, and can detect molecular markers associated with drug resistance. Here, we apply a modified highly-multiplexed deep sequencing assay: Pv AmpliSeq v2 Peru. The tool targets a newly developed 41-SNP Peru barcode for parasite population analysis within Peru, the 33-SNP vivaxGEN-geo panel for country-level classification, and 11 putative drug resistance genes. It was applied to 230 samples from the Peruvian Amazon (2007-2020), generating baseline surveillance data. We observed a heterogenous P. vivax population with high diversity and gene flow in peri-urban areas of Maynas province (Loreto region) with a temporal drift using all SNPs detected by the assay (nSNP = 2909). In comparison, in an indigenous isolated area, the parasite population was genetically differentiated (FST = 0.07-0.09) with moderate diversity and high relatedness between isolates in the community. In a remote border community, a clonal P. vivax cluster was identified, with distinct haplotypes in drug resistant genes and ama1, more similar to Brazilian isolates, likely representing an introduction of P. vivax from Brazil at that time. To test its applicability for Latin America, we evaluated the SNP Peru barcode in P. vivax genomes from the region and demonstrated the capacity to capture local population clustering at within-country level. Together this data shows that P. vivax transmission is heterogeneous in different settings within the Peruvian Amazon. Genetic analysis is a key component for regional malaria control, offering valuable insights that should be incorporated into routine surveillance.

Effectiveness of Organizing Crossing Transport Services in the Maritime Area of Riau Islands Province

Researchers took the research theme: Effectiveness of Organizing Crossing Transport Services in the Maritime Areas of Riau Islands Province. Ferry transportation is a mode of sea transportation available in the Riau Islands sea area as public transportation of goods by motorized vehicles. The purpose of this research is to find out the effectiveness of public crossing transportation and all its limitations, as well as to find out the scheduling patterns that occur in pioneer transportation services and commercial transportation. Meanwhile, the theoretical basis used to measure effectiveness is Duncan's theory (in Richard M. Steers, 1985:53) which measures the effectiveness of a program in an organization into 4 (four) aspects of achievement as indicators. Namely: (1) organizational characteristics; (2) adaptation characteristics (environment); (3) worker characteristics and (4) management characteristics. Meanwhile, the method used is a qualitative descriptive approach through fact finding, which studies problems in society in certain situations. The results of the short-term research are that there is an increase in accessibility on the pioneering trajectory and long-term local economic growth and improving the welfare of border communities.

Politics, Chieftaincy and Violent Extremism: Case of Chereponi-Wenchiki in Ghana-Togo Border

This study examined three issues, namely politics, violent extremism, and chieftaincy issues, in the Ghana-Togo border communities to determine which variable(s) influenced the other. This paper examines the relationship between violent extremism, politics, and chieftaincy conflicts in Ghana's North East region. It attempts to see if there is any linkage or connection between or among the three variables in the context of conflict and security along the two West African countries' borders (Ghana and Togo). Edward Azar's (1990) Protracted Conflict Theory (PCT), later emphasized by Bat-Tal (2000), guided the study. This study posits that politics and chieftaincy conflicts are the primary causes of violent extremism. In this regard, the study seeks the opinions, views, and experiences of the people in the Chereponi district, especially the communities along the Ghana-Togo borders. The study adopted an exploratory research design with a blend of experts' and non-experts' perspectives in the North East Region of Ghana and a few communities in Togo. The experts are spread across five regions of Northern Ghana, whereas the non-experts are concentrated in the Chereponi district. Twenty (20) respondents were interviewed face-to-face. The study found that the two major political parties (NPP and NDC) in Ghana were more involved in promoting the interests of some chiefs for political expediency. It found no link between politics and chieftaincy, leading to violent extremism. The study concludes that there is a clear link between politics and the chieftaincy institution in Ghana, but it also establishes that the Ghana-Togo border is free of extremist activities. It recommends a strong collaboration between Ghana and Togo in the fight against insecurity and possible acts of violent extremism along their borders.