By Haddy Touray
Hon. Seedy SK Njie, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and Chairperson of the National Assembly’s Defence and Security Committee represented The Gambia at a two-day conference on “Enhancing Parliamentary Oversight: Tackling Private and Hybrid Security in West Africa”.
The forum organised by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in collaboration with the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF) opened in Abuja- Nigeria on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.
The conference brought together legislators, security experts, and civil society organizations to address the challenges posed by Private Military and Security Companies (PMSCs) in the region. With sessions delving into oversight mechanisms, governance frameworks, and practical challenges, the event aims to equip parliamentarians with tools that will strengthen security governance.
Hon. Seedy Njie, in his remarks, underscored the critical role of parliamentary oversight in regulating PMSCs to ensure transparency, accountability, and adherence to international norms.
“The governance of PMSCs is crucial not only for national security but also for upholding human rights and promoting regional stability. This conference provides us with insights that will inform legislative actions and strengthen oversight mechanisms in The Gambia,” he pointed out.
The conference’s sessions highlighted key issues, including identifying gaps in PMSC regulation, aligning national practices with international norms, and fostering regional cooperation through frameworks such as ECOWAS Security Sector Governance and Reform.
The insights gained from this conference are expected to enhance the capacity of legislators to regulate PMSCs effectively.