Binta Jaiteh & Nyima Sillah
President Adama Barrow has said the Gambia’s first-ever defence policy is premised on the country’s sovereignty, interests, core values and commitment to a favourable world order and regional security resilience.
The President made this remark at the launch the Gambia’s maiden Defense Policy at Dawda Jawara International Conference Centre on Wednesday.
“Today marks another milestone in the history of the Security Sector in The Gambia. It is a historic moment for us, as we gather here to launch the country’s first-ever Defence Policy since the attainment of Independence in 1965, which is worth celebrating,” Mr Barrow acknowledged.
The Gambian leader recalled 2017 when he called for an assessment of the security sector.
“The purpose was to analyse the existing opportunities and challenges that have to be addressed in the country in respect of delivering accountable, transparent, professional, apolitical, and responsive security services for the people,” he added.
He continued: “In response to that call, ECOWAS and the European Union supported my government to review our security sector architecture. The outcome of the exercise necessitated and resulted in the development of the Security Sector Reform Strategy, National Security Policy, National Security Strategy, and the creation of the Office of the National Security. I express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to them for their prompt response.”
The President said it’s imperative to particularly congratulate the security sector on the progress made in developing the country’s National Security Policy and Strategy.
“Considering the concerted efforts made to develop the country’s National Security Policy and Strategy, the security sector, in particular, must also be congratulated on the progress made so far. The tasks before them provided a wide contextual framework from which is derived the Defence Policy we are launching today,” he acknowledged.
“This development is a clear testimony that my government takes the security sector reforms seriously on our development agenda. Our commitment to the reforms is in recognition of the fact that, without security, peace, and stability, economic growth cannot be achieved,” Mr. Barrow added.
He pointed out that the National Defence Policy was part of the recommendations on the security sector reform agenda, adding that the policy stemmed from the need to critically evaluate the Defence sector and outline the weaknesses, strengths, and opportunities therein.
“The goal of this undertaking is to transform The Gambia Armed Forces into a highly professional, well-trained, and disciplined unit that is responsive to the needs of the country, through the effective and efficient delivery of security services under democratic oversight and conditions,” he stated.
He continued: “Providing Defence and Security is a complex endeavour; therefore, as a country, we cannot ignore, under-estimate or downplay our security risks.
Thus, it is crucial to determine our national priorities and adopt implementable policies consistent with them.
“Preserving the integrity and sovereignty of The Gambia requires the commitment of all citizens, and not just the Armed Forces.
Whilst the defence of the country is the responsibility of the security forces, the duty to ensure that the security sector can withstand our security challenges is a matter of national responsibility.”
He “sincerely” thanked the Government of the United Kingdom, through the British High Commission in The Gambia, for not only providing financial support to develop the policy document but also providing a technical expert to guide the drafting process.
“In the same vein, my profound gratitude and appreciation go to the drafting team and staff of the Ministry of Defence for a job well done,” Mr.Barrow said.
“I implore the Ministry of Defence to take full responsibility for the policy implementation process and ensure that the much-anticipated outcomes of the reforms in the Defence Sector are achieved. The Government will continue to work towards enhancing and developing the capacity of the Armed Forces and promoting security awareness and patriotism among the citizens of the country,” he stated.