By Nyima Sillah
The Coalition of Progressive Gambians (CoPG) has raised serious concerns over the worsening security situation in the country, citing an increase in armed robberies, mysterious murders, rapes, and kidnappings that continue to instill fear among citizens.
In a statement shared with this medium, the group questioned the status of the long-promised security sector reforms, stating that the security services remain among the most underperforming institutions in the country.
“The lack of proper equipment and gear for vital services, particularly the police and fire and rescue services, is evident in the recent wave of crime, insecurity, and fire outbreaks,” the statement read.
The CoPG urged the government to expedite the implementation of security sector reforms, stressing that such reforms are essential not only for reducing crime but also for equipping personnel with the necessary tools and skills to effectively perform their duties.
The group also expressed concern over declining morale among service personnel, attributing it to poor recruitment standards and inadequate training. Referring to recent disciplinary actions against a police officer and a soldier, the CoPG argued that these incidents reflect deeper systemic failures.
“They may be blamed for their conduct, but the root cause lies in the lack of proper training and understanding of the code of conduct and values enshrined in their professions,” the coalition stated.
The group further called on the government to increase funding for the security services, highlighting that the lack of mobility and operational gear continues to be a longstanding constraint on the sector.
“It is clear that, in many cases, budgetary allocations for the Ministries of Interior and Defence are reallocated to less critical expenditures such as institutional travel at short notice,” the group alleged. “This practice, normalized by the Ministry of Finance, undermines national security priorities.”
The coalition emphasized that security is a prerequisite for peace and national stability. It also advocated for greater community and youth engagement through education, mentorship, and extracurricular programs aimed at promoting crime prevention and entrepreneurship.
Finally, the CoPG asserted that meaningful security sector reform cannot be fully achieved under the current 1997 Constitution or the executive’s proposed 2024 version, urging the need for a more inclusive and comprehensive legal framework to drive lasting change.
