Africa-Press – Gambia. A parliamentary committee has called for sweeping reforms to The Gambia’s security institutions, warning that understaffing, poor infrastructure, and inadequate resources are eroding morale and undermining operational effectiveness.
The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Defense and Security issued the call following a weeklong oversight tour of facilities in the North Bank, Central River, Upper River, and Lower River Regions from April 22 to 27. The findings were presented to lawmakers by the committee’s vice chair, Alhagie Mbow.
The report paints a stark picture: shortages of vehicles and modern equipment, unsafe and unhygienic working conditions, and health and safety risks that officials say compromise readiness.
“The oversight mission revealed that while security personnel demonstrate unwavering commitment under challenging circumstances, the institutions themselves are overstretched, under-resourced, and ill-equipped to meet national security demands,” the committee concluded. “These systemic weaknesses undermine both efficiency and morale, and if left unaddressed, risk compromising the sovereignty, peace, and stability of The Gambia.”
Among its key recommendations, the committee urged:
Renovation of office and living quarters to provide dignified working conditions.
Provision of modern equipment, including weapons, protective gear, computers, printers, and communication tools.
Strengthening medical services by ensuring drug supplies, equipping clinics, and introducing ambulances.
Annual distribution of uniforms, boots, and protective clothing.
Improved feeding and allowances aligned with the rising cost of living.
Greater logistical support, including vehicles, fuel, and regular fleet maintenance.
Lawmakers also called for community engagement initiatives to rebuild trust between security forces and local populations, as well as clearer policies on promotions and career progression to fairly reward performance.
In addition, the committee pressed for stronger oversight of stalled or mismanaged infrastructure projects, citing the unfinished security complex in Janjanbureh. It highlighted the joint operations model in Soma as an example of inter-agency collaboration that could be replicated elsewhere.
Committee chair Seedy S.K. Njie said the government must act swiftly, urging the executive and relevant ministries to incorporate the recommendations into future budget allocations. “Forthcoming resources must prioritize the welfare, infrastructure, and operational capacity of the security sector,” the report stated.
The findings come at a time when The Gambia faces mounting pressure to modernize its security sector, long viewed as fragile and overstretched in the wake of political transition and regional security challenges.
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