By Isatou Fofana
As part of the on going Security Sector Reform (SSR) Process in The Gambia which began in 2017. The Gambia Immigration Department in partnership with the Ministry of Interior recently concluded a 2-day consultation with stakeholders for the reformation of The Gambia Immigration Act 1965 which has been one of the primary laws governing immigration for over 57 years.
The initiative supported by the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF) and funded by the Swiss Confederation, is part of the security sector reform undertaken by the government of The Gambia.
It was held within the framework of the GID Project dubbed “Strengthening the efficiency and accountability of the Gambian Immigration Department (GID).”
The project focuses on policy development, management reform, crisis management and internal oversight. The rationale for the Immigration project is in relation to the current state of affairs and conditions in The Gambia which are not align with the Act, policies and GID’s mandate.
Director General, Gambia Immigration Department Mr. Seedy M Touray highlighted that the inputs to be generated from the consultation, when passed into law will enhance the structural operation and organization of the GID, expanding its scope of responsibility and provide for its establishment roles and responsibilities.
He added that the task is a symbolic milestone in GID’s history, as it will serve as a replacement for the aged immigration laws which do not represent the current realities of the GID operation and management.
Speaking on behalf of the Interior Minister, the Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior Mr. Ismaila Danso expressed sincere gratitude and appreciation to DCAF and the Swiss Confederation for organizing this National Consultation on the Reform of the Immigration Act 1965.
He noted that the Security Sector Reform in the Gambia was triggered by an Assessment Report in 2017, which recommends specific reform activities in key priority areas to help the government restructure the security sector.
DPS Danso added that the reform aims to ensure an effective and accountable security sector under democratic control with respect for human rights and fundamental principles, good governance and Gender mainstreaming.
Mr. Ken Isaac, the Head of Office DCAF Banjul said that DCAF is dedicated and fully committed to improving human and state security by strengthening democratic control, rule of law and respect for human rights.
He thanked the government of The Gambia for its notable efforts to reform the security sector whiles expressing gratitude to the Swiss Confederation for funding the reform of the Immigration Act 1965.
In 2017, a comprehensive SSR assessment was carried out to ascertain the gaps and malfunctions of the security sector inherited from the repressive regime of Yahya Jammeh. The assessment concluded with recommendations for a wide range of activities to be carried out to enable the sector to be transformed to meet people’s aspirations under a democratic dispensation. Several reform activities have been implemented (since the endorsement of this assessment report in December 2017) in furtherance of the Government’s aspirations to transform the security sector into a more accountable, efficient and effective institution under civilian control with respect for the rule of law and human rights
In conclusion, the Technical Working Groups(TWG) studied and developed the current GID’s institutional structure and distribution, revised the potential gender policy, and reviewed the gaps between the Act and the Code of Conduct. As a result, the TWGs have prepared findings and drafted recommendations to reform the current Immigration Act and draft a new Immigration Bill in line with international law, human rights and gender equality.
