By: Binta Jaiteh
Maimuna Jabbie, Country Coordinator for Great Green Wall Frontline, has revealed that Gambians are facing significant challenges in securing Schengen visas due to ongoing corruption concerns.
In an interview with The Voice newspaper, Madam Jabbie alleged that the European Union has raised corruption-related concerns that hinder the participation of Gambians in global forums.
She cited last year’s Conference of the Parties (COP) described as a parliamentary platform for environmental organizations where many Gambians were reportedly denied attendance because of corruption allegations linked to the country.
“It is disheartening. We already have challenges in funding, and the government is not factoring us in. This is affecting the youth and civil society organizations, limiting our ability to make meaningful changes not only in The Gambia but globally,” she said.
Jabbie further argued that the country should broaden its environmental efforts to include the pressing issue of visa denial, which she said directly affects grassroots actors.
She also raised concerns over illegal maritime activities, stating that over 100 illegal vessels have recently been registered in The Gambia.
“This clearly shows that the issue goes beyond our borders,” she noted. “There have been several references to Chinese trawlers in Gambian waters. But it’s not just the Chinese. The European Union and Senegalese operators are also contributing significantly to illegal fishing activities.”
She lamented that despite frequent reports of illegal trawling, very little action is taken by the government.
“In every aspect of this country, especially when it comes to our natural resources, everything is sold to the highest bidder. These ships and trawlers though arrested in Europe, China, and Russia are still allowed to register in The Gambia. All of this is made possible due to rampant corruption and lack of proper regulatory measures in our documentation system,” she emphasized.
Jabbie called for stronger collaboration between the fisheries sector and legal authorities to curb the growing challenges.
Meanwhile, fellow activist Ousainou Colley also expressed frustration over illegal activities in the fishing sector.
“Whenever we try to stop illegal fishing in Gambian waters, the perpetrators produce legal documents to justify their presence,” he lamented.
