By Fatoumata Joof
The National Steering Committee on Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) has adopted the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between The Gambia Government and the United Nations on Counter Terrorism.
This was done during the steering committee meeting held on Wednesday, June 29th at the Ministry of Interior’s complex in Kotu.
The committee is responsible of overseeing the implementation of the UN flagship initiative on Member States’ capabilities on countering terrorism and serious crimes. This may include the crossing of national borders through the provision of API/PNR data control border and law enforcement agencies in the country.
Presiding over the meeting, the Minister of Interior, Mr. Seyaka Sonko, encouraged members of the committee to be devoted to their tasks, saying issues of terrorism are critical to national security.
He affirmed government’s support and political will to address crimes at national and international levels.
The meeting also discussed the mission report of the recently concluded meeting of the West African Informal Working Group held in Sierra Leone, orgainsed by the UNOCT. It allowed West African states share best practices and network as part of their implementation of the project.
The MoU awaits the signature of the Minister of Interior.
