Africa-Press – Gambia. A five-day workshop aimed at strengthening transparency and coordination among oversight institutions in The Gambia’s security sector ended on Friday at the Metzy Residence Hotel in Kotu.
The event led to the crafting of a new toolkit to bolster security sector governance. Organised by the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF) in partnership with the Office of the Ombudsman, the workshop brought together representatives from national oversight bodies, security institutions, civil society, and international consultants. It was part of the EU-funded project titled “Gambian Security Sector Reform Process for Improved Security, Migration, and Border Management.”
The initiative focused on the development of a Guidance Document and Good Practice Toolkit to enhance collaboration, accountability, and effective oversight across institutions.
Mark Lynch, DCAF’s Interim Head of Office, described the gathering as a significant step in consolidating internal and external accountability within the sector. He commended participants for embracing a victim-centric approach and praised their professionalism and commitment to national ownership.
“The principles of transparency and accountability were evident throughout the workshop,” Lynch noted, adding that the participants had developed a roadmap, a model for collaboration, and terms of reference for a future joint coordination forum.
Ombudsman Bakary Sanyang, whose office co-hosted the event, emphasised the need for continued partnership. “If we want to address the complex challenges in our new democracy, collaboration among oversight institutions is key,” he said.
Hon. Almaameh Gibba, a member of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Defence and Security, also lauded the initiative. He said the tools and frameworks developed during the workshop would help close information gaps and foster better inter-institutional cooperation.
“This is a Gambian-led document built on both international best practice and local realities,” he added.
The event concluded with commitments to future meetings and collaboration, as well as a call for all stakeholders to maintain the momentum.
DCAF reiterated that while it provided financial and technical support, all final outputs were shaped and owned by Gambians.
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