President Adama Barrow today launched a 7 member National
Security Council (NSC) at a ceremony held at his office.
President
Barrow urged the Council members to work together and complement their efforts.
He emphasized the unity of purposed amongst the members in serving one
government for a strong, safe and secure nation.
The
Gambian leader said with coordination and corporation, the different units of
the armed and security forces could overcome potential from being real threats,
nationally and globally to guarantee the security of all Gambians. President Barrow urged the various security
units to take up their responsibilities to protect the country. “Let us through
our Gambia Police Force and related services enforce our laws and deter the
criminals. Let us through our State Intelligence Service based on informed
analysis, provide advice to policy makers to enable them make informed policy
options, take decisions and enhance strategic interventions.”
President
Barrow underscored the importance of having structures in place and said he had
confidence in the team to provide him with proper advise to make informed
decisions on security matters.
He
further linked the importance of peace and security to socio-economic
development.
CDS in his remarks thanked President Barrow
for the confidence bestowed on them and congratulated his colleagues. He said the National Security Council would
provide oversight advise and guide the President to execute their functions at
a time when faced with security challenges.
He said the council would fill the vacuum in the 3 levels of the
security structure in maintaining peace and security and lay the foundation for
Socio-economic development.
He
pledged that they would provide candid security advise and analysis. He enjoined his colleagues to work as a team
to promote peace and development.
The
members of the NSC are minister of Interior, Mai Ahmed Fatty, Inspector General
of Police, Landing Kinteh, Chief of Defense Staff, Lieutenant General Masaneh
Kinteh, Director of State Intelligent Service, Ousman Sowe, Navy Commander,
Momodou Madani Senghore, Brigadier General, Mamat Cham and Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Defense, Assan Tangara.
The
ceremony was witnessed by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Honorable
Maraim Jack-Denton, Secretary General Dawda Fadera, Foreign Affairs Minister,
Honourable Ousainou Darbo and other senior officials.
