#Editorial

Gambia needs stricter gun laws!

Jan 22, 2026, 11:22 AM

Gun related crimes are becoming a serious problems in The Gambia. It is high time authorities work towards addressing the issue before it is too late. 

Often times, we hear reports of shooting incidents in the country, which raise alarm while casting shadow over the country's weak gun control regulations.

The worrying concerns is that some of this shooting incidents are fatal. 

Just recently, there was another reported shooting incident at Kairaba Avenue.

The recent incident highlights the need and a perfect time to have a serious discussion about gun crime. 

Let's bear in mind that among the crimes committed in the country, it's evident that gun accounts for some percentage in terms of weapon used.

This recent episode highlights the broader picture and the need to treat the issue as a matter of urgency.

Also, it serves as a wake-up call that illegal firearms are finding their way into the country through entry points or being smuggled clandestinely.

Whatever, the recent incident clearly shows the slow but steady rise in gun crime in the country. And if these guns fall into wrong hands the wider community is in danger.

Allowing people to have access to guns without prior background checks and putting in stringent measures is like one's shooting his own leg. Authorities needs to have thorough inventory of guns in people custody while also putting heavy fines or even jail term for those who smuggled guns into the country.

Gun crime is not good for any country. It weakened democracy while giving rise to lawlessness, which gives way to stagnation, under development and anarchy.

We've seen the consequence it has on countries that allowed their citizens to use firearms for safety measures.

Yes, tackling gun crime just like any other organised crime, may be a demanding task, but it worth it.

Also, government must design a fresh approach and punish those found wanting or in possession of illegal fire arms to deter others. 

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