POCOREMO - Consolidating the Presence of the Lebanese State South of Litani River

For decades, Southern Lebanon has been faced with complex challenges related to security and national sovereignty. The deployment of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), supported by Resolutions 425 and 426 (1978), has maintained a fragile balance in this region. This Force is working alongside the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to safeguard the sovereignty of the Lebanese State within its territory.

In this respect, in 2017, Lebanon undertook to create a new infantry unit, the Model Regiment. While logistical and financial constraints have hindered its development, this unit should eventually consist of 1,400 troops and cooperate with UNIFIL to increase joint patrols in the area. It will be assigned an area of responsibility and should gradually take over certain responsibilities in this area.

POCOREMO fits in with this context by providing concrete solutions to consolidate State authority in this strategic region, while preparing for a phased transition of security responsibilities from UNIFIL to the LAF.

The POCOREMO project aims to transform security dynamics in Southern Lebanon, by enabling the Model Regiment of the Lebanese Armed Forces to become an autonomous operational force.

Its main objective is to build and equip a headquarters for the Model Regiment. The implementation of the project is based on a systematic and collaborative approach, through joint work between Expertise France and the LAF, to provide the most effective response to the military and logistical needs. 

These activities combine capacity building and strategic cooperation to ensure the sustainability of the results.

Over the course of the project, a headquarters with a surface area of 6,000 m², able to accommodate 310 soldiers, has been built, despite the constraints imposed by the pandemic and the economic crisis in Lebanon. This facility has been designed based on an existing building. It comprises all the functions and services the Lebanese Armed Forces require in terms of command, operations, accommodation, and logistics. Each stage of the project has been designed to maximise the operational effectiveness of the LAF.

In addition to the construction of a facility, the project has had a significant impact on the development of the Model Regiment and the ability of the LAF to manage their missions independently in Southern Lebanon. This action will have a positive effect on the army’s overall performance.

The project has thereby not only contributed to strengthening security in the region, it has also strengthened the long-term stability of Lebanon.

POCOREMO is the result of close collaboration between the European Union and Expertise France, with the aim of addressing the needs expressed by the local authorities.

This partnership has helped overcome the logistical and economic challenges posed by the various crises in Lebanon, especially due to the involvement of Lebanese parties, the support from the European donor, and the professionalism of the companies.

This project is part of a broader European Union approach to strengthen the capabilities of the LAF and thereby promote peace and stability in fragile regions.

With the implementation of POCOREMO, Lebanon has taken a further step towards strengthening its security and sovereignty, so that it can build a stable future.