By: ML Jaiteh
The Dakar-based research body, Timbuktu Institute, will soon publish a report on the findings of research/survey conducted on “Islamic extremism and radicalisation in the Gambia,” The Voice can report.
This was disclosed by Dr. Bakary Sambe, head of the institute during an exclusive interview conducted at the end of his working visit to the Gambia.
Timbuktu Institute in June carried out a research on Islamic extremism in the Gambia and the findings are yet to be shared with the public.
According to him, his delegation held fruitful meetings with representatives of several organizations in the Gambia during the visit.
These include UN agencies, European Union, Gambia’s apex Islamic body, the Supreme Islamic Council and members of civil society organizations.
Dr. Sambe said his institute also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a youth NGO, “Peace Network”while emphasizing the involvement of young people in their activities.
He highlights the crucial role the youth play in ensuring security of any given society.
“We are ready to partner with relevant organizations so that we can see how best to support government and other agencies on matters relating to security,” he noted.
In carrying out its work, Dr. Sambe disclosed that Timbuktu Institute believed in bottom-top- approach.
“There is a gap between international conceptions and local perceptions regarding security and we need to bridge the gap,” he stated. He says the Gambia is trying to settle down with matters of security and there is need to support the government in consolidation of peace.
