By: Binta Jaiteh
The National Assembly Member for Busumbala, Muhammad Kanteh, and the United Democratic Party (UDP) Youth President, Hajie Suwaneh, have expressed deep concern over the rising number of murder cases across the country.
The duo blamed the Barrow government for the growing rate of violent crimes in the country, accusing it of negligence and mal-governance.
NAM Kanteh told The Voice that the surge in murder cases is enough cause to raise a serious alarm and jolt the government into taking action.
The number of reported murder cases is unprecedented. It will be difficult for the country to develop when crime continues to be perpetrated,” he said.
He stressed the need for the government to empower and equip security officers to tackle crime effectively. Kanteh also urged the government to leapfrog the implementation of a comprehensive security sector reform.
“Being part of the committee responsible for the promotion and protection of human rights issues, I may not subscribe to the call for the implementation of the death penalty. However, I will advocate for the full implementation of sections 157 and 158 of the Criminal Offenses Act, which provide life sentences for individuals convicted of murder and manslaughter,” he stated.
The UDP Youth President, Hajie Suwaneh, echoed similar concerns, warning that the escalating crime rate, especially over the past weeks, is a cause for grave concern.
“This demands urgent attention. If not, more lives will be lost,” Suwaneh said.
He attributed the rise in violent crime to unemployment, poverty, and depression.
The government should create job opportunities for the youth. If unemployment is not addressed, more crime will follow,” he warned. “How do you expect the youth to survive without jobs? Are you not creating more room for criminality and prostitution?”
Suwaneh described the current situation of the country as worrying, noting that many people struggle to meet their daily needs.
He also raised concerns about the country’s porous borders.
“Armed robbers from other countries enter our country and commit crimes. The government must tighten border security,” he emphasized.
Commenting on the government-led demolition in Salagi, Suwaneh said the exercise had left many Gambians homeless and frustrated.
“All these factors can lead to increased poverty and crime. This is why we are advising the electorate to vote wisely in the upcoming presidential election,” he stressed.
