By Ridhwana Ahmad Sinayoko
The Office of National Security (ONS), led by the Director of the Joint Assessment Team (DJAT), last week commenced a comprehensive regional tour to establish and operationalise regional offices across the country. This initiative aims to enhance coordination, collaboration, and partnerships among security sectors in pursuit of national security objectives.
On May 21, the ONS, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, began a regional tour to identify suitable locations for ONS regional offices. Following this initial identification, the team has recently conducted a subsequent tour to deliver equipment and office furniture necessary for the operationalisation of these offices.
In the West Coast Region (WCR), Governor Fanta Samateh Bojang Manneh commended the ONS’s efforts and underscored the importance of having a regional security coordinator. “A coordinator will facilitate the coordination of security affairs in the region, enhance the collaboration and partnership among security forces,” she stated.
The Governor emphasised the significance of coherent communication among security institutions, especially during incidents with national security implications.
The Police Commissioner Famara Jallow; and the Regional Director of the State Intelligence Service (SIS) Omar Sowe, both welcomed the ONS team, expressing their gratitude for the provision of office furniture and equipment. They highlighted the critical need for mobility support to improve their work and ensure effective security service delivery to the region’s citizens and residents.
The Governor of North Bank Region (NBR), Fatou Jammeh Touray, who was overseeing LRR, chaired the meeting.
In her opening remarks, the DJAT Director elaborated on the national security architecture, echoing the points made during previous stops.
Governor Touray emphasised the importance of security and praised the ONS’s efforts to establish a regional security coordinator. “Security is everyone’s business,” she remarked, noting the significant challenges faced by security forces in the LRR, particularly the issue of mobility, which hampers quick response and service delivery.
An Immigration representative also highlighted the critical role of security in the LRR, citing the need for continual coordination and partnership among security services.
Attendees included the administrative officer and security heads from various services.
This regional tour by the ONS marks a significant step towards strengthening the country’s security infrastructure, ensuring better coordination, and enhancing the capabilities of regional security forces.
