Such kind of meeting is indeed timely and its importance cannot be over emphasised, putting into account the theme: ‘Amid Regional Volatilities, the needs to close Capacity gaps and enhance coordination to effectively counter terrorism in West Africa and Sahel Region’.
Terrorism and other clandestine activities in West Africa and the Sahel Region are now on the increase; therefore, it is high time African heads of state and government come together to fight the menace given the fact that terrorism and its related issues have no boundaries.
To fight terrorism and its related issues in Africa, there must be concerted effort from all stakeholders. The African government alone can’t do it. This requires the participation of all and sundry including politicians, civil society organisations, religious and youth leaders among host of others. We should take ownership of our security. We hope that during their convergence, the participants who are responsible for intelligence and its related issues in West Africa will come with tangible solution to addressing terrorism related issues in West Africa and the Sahel region.
Mr. President, African Intelligence Agencies should also work together, share information among themselves where necessary and massively hunt those financing these terrorism related issues in the continent. Most of these terrorist groups and jihadists are well equipped and financed. If we are to get rid of the terrorism related issues in West Africa and the Sahel region, we believe that we should first fight those financing them.
Mr. President, it’s also gratifying to see that the SIS, formerly of the NIA which used to be one of the most notoriously feared public institutions in the country is not only getting international recognition, but they are equally leading some institutions, among which is CISSA. This is what we expected from public institutions in the country. Now instead of people running away from them, people are now coming to them and giving them information. We hope that they continue redoubling their efforts towards maintaining the country’s peace and stability.
Mr. President, another issue that your government should be mindful of is unnecessary expenditure especially at a time when the inflation is high. The Gambia and the world in particular are encountering a lot of socio-economic challenges as result of the Ukraine-Russia war.
Mr. President, we believe that the government should really strategise its budgets and if necessary, cut some expenditure especially on the issues of per-diems among others. The way and manner in which government officials travel outside the country is just one too many and this always delays transactions and administration matters
Therefore, government officials have to travel with a view to sell government policies among others for national development. However, too much travelling especially without bringing anything meaningful to the country should be minimised. This will help save millions of dalasis which could in turn be used for other developmental priorities.
Mr. President, it is also important that we look at the issues of money that is spent on fuel. This is also too much. The world all over is currently encountering economic challenges due to many factors; hence it’s important that the government curtails other expenditures.
Finally Mr. President, from the announcement in your government’s latest increment of salaries and allowances of the Speaker and Members of Parliament, it has been noted that the Speaker’s Office is now receiving an allocation (annual) of more than D36 million upward rise from the D27 million it used have. This is estimated to be exorbitant considering the dire straits the Gambia’s economy is in and the hardship the people are undergoing. Likewise, the salary increment of the MPs is just too much for The Gambia’s economy to contain at this point in time.
We are not against increasing salaries and allowances of the Speaker and MPs but such increases should not be exorbitant or go through the roof; our economy is in dire straits. In fact, talking about increment of salaries, the civil servants, who are the engine of government administration, should be considered the most. Even though some 30% salary increment was given to civil servants in July this year, we think more increment is necessarily due considering the rapid inflation and economic hardship The Gambia is going through.
Good Day!