By Fatoumata Joof
The Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF) with funding from the European Union (EU) has trained about 70 senior security officers from the Gambia Police Force and the Gambia Immigration Department on command and leadership skills.
Held from 6th to 10th June, 2022, the week-long capacity building initiative targeted officers from the ranks of assistant superintendent, chief superintendent to commissioner, with the aim to support the implementation of the security sector reform process. It also expected to enhance the implementation of the ‘Policing Doctrine’ for the Gambia Police Force and promote the modernisation of the Gambia Immigration Department.
The capacity building programme is part of the “Support to the Security Sector Reform Process in The Gambia project”, EU-funded project which implementation is led by DCAF.
Speaking on behalf of the Inspector General of Police at the closing ceremony, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ebrima Bah affirmed that the training would enhance the knowledge and skills of senior security officers on contemporary leadership and command, in line with international best practice.
“The efforts to entrench human rights in our society, [against] the complexity of modern security challenges, require concerted efforts to build the capacity of GPF personnel and raise awareness to properly guide our reform process for effective and efficient service delivery”.
He advised that as leaders, commanders, and supervisors, they should be very close to their subordinates or colleagues; “not only to coordinate their work but also to mentor them, counsel them, coach them and above all inspire them”.
Assistant IGP Bah acknowledged that DCAF has been supporting The Gambia Police Force in its reform process, and that key among their interventions include the development and printing of the maiden Police Doctrine, the production of Arrest and Detention Procedure Manual, capacity building programs , as well as the recent institutional performance review exercise conducted across all the regions in The Gambia.
Representing the Director General of The Gambia Immigration Department, Chief Superintendent Karanlang Jarju lauded the joint training initiative, saying it will strengthen the partnership among the security institutions, for national development.
The European Union Representative, Ms. Enya Braun, said this is purposely to support The Gambia government’s efforts to launch a deep and inclusive security sector reform process and enhance its external oversight by state and non-state actors.
She opined that leadership or command is not only about directing your staff; that it is about operating professionally and respecting human rights and the rule of law. “In doing so, you provide an excellent service to the people of The Gambia,” she noted.
The Head of Office, Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF), Mr. Ken Isaac, urged the trained police and immigration officers to put the knowledge gained to practice.
