By Maria lopes
Gambian President, Adama Barrow, has said that experience has shown that it is difficult to successfully reform any security sector in the absence of the necessary and appropriate framework to guide and direct its operations and management.
He made the statement yesterday Monday at the launching of Gambia’s national security policy – 2019, stressing that “a policy and strategic framework are most urgent and critical.”
“My government has launched a number of initiatives aimed at improving coordination between and amongst different institutions and transforming our country into a sustainable and economically viable democracy.
“We can safely predict that the impact of these initiatives will be felt increasingly over the next few years, and will result in a Security and Justice System that is more responsive to The Gambia’s needs,” he stated.
He added that the National Security Vision is about establishing a safe and secure environment for the people of The Gambia.
He further said: “My Government is mindful of the current reality regarding the safety and security in our society and its responsibility to secure our dear country.”
President Barrow pointed out that fulfilling this responsibility implies establishing the basis to pursue the vision enshrined in National Development Plan (2018-2021) and the country’s national objectives.
According to him, the basis of growth, development and progress are peace, security and stability, noting that Gambians cannot ignore this responsibility.
“Government’s responsibilities, the overall aim of the National Security Policy, 2019, is for everyone to be responsive in countering security threats, while utilizing the opportunities that prevail.
“The NSP sets out the directions Government will take to safeguard our people and natural resources,” President Barrow noted.
He also said: “The policy sufficiently provides a robust, coherent and strategic approach to respond collectively to national security threats through swift decision-making processes, clear lines of accountability and responsibility, prompt execution of action and commitment to building the Nation’s resilience to crime.”
He stated that it is important to note that the policy is not intended to duplicate nor overlap with other existing sector plans, policies and strategies on national security; rather, it is to strengthen effective coordination of their implementation.
He said this National Security Policy has adopted the expanded concept of security, which now includes both traditional and new forms of security threats.
He added that such threats encompass border management and security, climate change, natural disasters, economic security, environmental security and human security, with focus on gender-based violence and the fight against non-communicable diseases.
President Barrow stated that the National Security Policy will further strengthen coordination at the national level to achieve the country’s security goals and strategic objectives, protect national security interests and facilitate proper management of resources.
“As contained in our national security vision, the policy seeks to create a united and secure nation wherein the people’s core values, welfare and well-being, way of life, territorial integrity and sovereignty are protected and enhanced.
“The Government of The Gambia will strengthen the pillars that hold the security of the nation and ensure that security becomes a top priority, considering the important link between development and security. Perhaps at this juncture, we should remind ourselves of the common saying that, “The policy should be as good as its implementation,” he said.
The Gambian leader directed that an implementation strategy be wisely crafted and, without delay, set in motion plans to implement it.
He added that when completed, the strategic document should help to guide, organize and harmonize nation’s security policy efforts, and provide a common framework on which the entire nation should focus attention.
According to him, the National Security Strategy shall further assist in maintaining the stability of the nation through appropriate and sound use of economic power, diplomacy, security and governance structures.
“In an increasingly complex and interconnected strategic environment, no country can do it alone. Therefore, we can only succeed by working SMART and working together. As such, we will continue to work closely and effectively with our development partners, in the sub-region, the region and the international community,” he noted.
He commended UN, EU, and ECOWAS, AU and diplomatic and bilateral partners for their support and assistance of the country development and reform partners.