U.S. Delegation Discusses Next Steps for the OSCE-led Integrated Co-operation on Explosive Hazards Program in Tajikistan
A delegation from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs/Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement (PM/WRA) concluded a successful week-long program review visit to Tajikistan on May 26, 2024.
The visit, led by Mr. Rodney A. Robideau, Conventional Weapons Destruction (CWD) Program Manager, aimed to assess ongoing U.S. government-funded demining and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) efforts in the country. The delegation held productive meetings with representatives from the Tajikistan National Mine Action Center (TNMAC), the Ministry of Defense (MoD), Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), the Fondation suisse de déminage (FSD), and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Programme Office in Dushanbe (POiD).
On May 23, 2024, as a part of program review visit to Tajikistan, the U.S. delegation met with the representatives from the OSCE POiD. Discussions focused on the success of the U.S.-funded Integrated Co-operation on Explosive Hazards (ICExH) project, implemented by OSCE POiD in partnership with U.S. Army Central (USARCENT). Spanning a decade, the ICExH project has bolstered Tajikistan’s ability to address explosive hazards and support regional efforts to improve explosive hazards reduction and response in Central Asia.
The U.S. delegation and OSCE, along with USARCENT representatives, reviewed the project’s achievements over the past years and collaboratively developed a five-year plan to ensure its continued success. A key element of the plan involves transferring ownership of Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IED-D) training component to Tajik authorities in the coming years. This transfer signifies a long-term commitment to building sustainable national capacity.
The ICExH project exemplifies the U.S. commitment to a safer Tajikistan. Continued collaboration between the U.S. Department of State, OSCE, USARCENT, and Tajik authorities will ensure ongoing success in mitigating the threats of explosive hazards.