By Ridhwana Ahmad Sinayoko
Stakeholders in The Gambia security sector, led by Office of National Security, last week held a two-day forum to discuss the National Security Council Bill. The event brought together representatives of the National Assembly, the European Union, ECOWAS-GIZ, and various international and local partners.
In his welcome remarks, the National Security Advisor, Abubakarr Suleiman Jeng, underscored the significance of the Bill, describing it as bedrock in the ongoing Security Sector Reform (SSR) process. He also underscored the Bill’s relevance in enhancing national security and ensuring a human-centered approach to security.
For the German Ambassador, H.E Klaus Botzet, the Bill will be the basis for further implementation of the security sector reform process. He acknowledged the collaborative efforts involved, highlighting the role of the German Federal Ministry for Cooperation and the European Union in supporting this initiative.
Enya Braun of the EU Delegation in The Gambia, expressed gratitude towards the Gambian government for its hospitality and the opportunity to be part of the dissemination and sensitisation workshop. He said their workshop underscored the commitment to human rights and effective security practices.
The ECOWAS Special Representative H.E Madame Miatta French also highlighted the collective efforts towards safety and well-being in The Gambia. “This Bill is a testament to our commitment towards the safety and well-being of every Gambian. It outlines clear mechanisms for accountability and the rule of law,” she stated.
The workshop was expected to foster constructive discussions on the Bill, with hopes of it being enacted in June 2024. The National Security Advisor (NSA) emphasised the importance of these discussions, especially for National Assembly Members (NAMs) in their final deliberations.
The event was a testament to the collaborative spirit among international and local stakeholders, all working towards a common goal of strengthening The Gambia’s security framework in line with democratic principles and respect for human rights.
