By: Nyima Sillah
Isatou Darboe, Executive Director of the National Agency Against Trafficking in Persons (NAATIP) has disclosed that her agency required enhanced authority and power to effectively combat human trafficking in The Gambia. She made this clear during the review of the 2007 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Act at NANA Hall along Bertil Herding Highway on Wednesday, February 19, 2025.
“Apart from addressing the criminal elements and legal provisions for punishment and investigation of trafficking offenses, it is imperative that we significantly boost the agency’s capacity. We unequivocally need a higher degree of authority and powers to effectively carry out our mandate,” she declared.
Darboe emphasized that the TIP Act, in place since 2007, has significant gaps. Many offenses related to human trafficking remain unaddressed, and critical provisions that could streamline our operations are non-existent.
She firmly stated that these issues demand immediate legislative action. An in-depth review of the TIP Act of 2007 reveals numerous sections in dire need of revision—this includes provisions related to the establishment of the agency, the powers of the board, the responsibilities of staff, the agency’s mandate, and various miscellaneous components.
“While the 2007 Act has served its purpose, it is essential that we transform it into a robust and comprehensive piece of legislation that empowers us to enhance collaboration with international partners and strengthens our ability to prosecute human trafficking cases decisively in The Gambia,” she emphasized.
Momodou Drammeh, NAATIP program coordinator, opened the two-day consultative stakeholder forum with a clear message: participants must work together to shape the future of the country in tackling human trafficking issues head-on.
“Given the laws that frame our operations, we expect that by the end of these two days, participants will produce a document that will decisively guide our actions and safeguard the rights of every individual present here, as well as those yet to come,” Drammeh stated assertively.