It could generate serious public frustrations and baffling thoughts should remnants of security personnel who closely worked with the previous government still serve in the current democratic government, and continue unchecked.
Your government should take immediate steps to mitigate any potential security threats. It is important to note that SSR goes beyond removing those who are said to be accomplices during Jammeh’s era. This issue needs to be addressed through effective review of internal policies and programmes within the sector to conform with current realities that adhere to Human Rights and Rule of Law.
Mr President, natural attrition perhaps is what some hope could reduce the threat, though it might not be in the short term. The saying that SSR is a process is true, but it is a very lame excuse for not dealing with it to end the impunity of the heinous actions of some members of the security apparatus during the 22 years of cruelty under the previous regime in The Gambia. We must not keep old wine in new wineskins.
The Jihadists
Mr President, the importance of Security Sector Reform (SSR) in The Gambia extends beyond its borders, especially as more countries in the region struggle with extremism. Countries like Burkina Faso, Chad, Benin, Mali and Niger have recently experienced attacks from extremist groups, and their military or armed forces have been shortchanged. ECOWAS has been trying to contain them, but more efforts are needed. There are presently international forces; however, those forces are more concerned about tapping the natural resources and secretly sending out the gold, uranium and other minerals to their home countries and paying less attention to the fight against the jihadist forces. In many unsolicited opinions, these efforts are insufficient to halt the jihadists, as evidenced by the recent attacks in Burkina Faso and Mali. The jihadists were not adequately contained by the failed attempts to stop their advance.
Mr President, ECOWAS nations are divided over how to handle renegade states, leading to failed negotiations. Backed by Russia, the states of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have formed a confederation of Sahel, weakening the coalition of forces now facing bold jihadist attacks. Efforts to share intelligence have stalled, and the jihadists pose an increasing threat. A holistic approach is needed, as relying solely on military force is unsustainable and risks catastrophic failure. Engaging the renegade nations is essential to address the jihadist menace effectively.
Mr President, Jihadists have been using motorbikes for mobility, making it crucial for countries to regulate motorbike imports and track ownership through proper registration. Without this, bikes can easily be transferred to the jihadists. Similarly, the control of small arms and locally produced weapons must be tightened, with proper documentation and markings to trace them back to their source in case of any attacks. Without strict controls, these items, though seemingly harmless, contribute to insurgencies.
Mr President, in the past two months, the jihadists have gained significant strength, killing nearly 200 people, including 88 members of the Russian Wagner group in Mali, as well as many others in Chad, Burkina Faso and Niger and a dozen in Benin. They are well-armed, trained, and financially backed, with the goal of conquering Sahel countries and establishing Islamic states.
Good day!
Editorial of The Point