Iraq PM orders faster automation of border crossings to curb corruption

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani on Friday visited the headquarters of the Border Crossings Authority and ordered the acceleration of the border automation project, according to a statement from his office. Speaking via video link to border crossing directors and staff, al-Sudani described the crossings as Iraq's economic, security and sovereignty gateways, and called for the swift completion of the automation plan. The prime minister directed that all crossings be linked through a tight electronic system and that comprehensive daily reports on operations and revenues be submitted. He said the crossings would be turned into a self-financing structure, with taxes and customs fees deducted before transfers are made. Al-Sudani stressed that all forms of smuggling, particularly drug trafficking, constitute grave crimes against society, and warned that strict measures would be applied going forward. He also called for an end to corruption and irregularities at the crossings. Border Crossings Authority head Omar Adnan al-Waili briefed the prime minister on ongoing work, including the integration of the transit system with the Development Road Project and ASYCUDA, the UN-backed customs management platform. No further details on the project's timeline were immediately available.