During a question and answer session led by Hon. Yahya Sanyang of Latrikunda Sabiji, lawmakers demanded answers about the security integrity of the presidential palace and whether the government had taken appropriate steps to prevent a recurrence of such.
Member for Wulli East, Suwaibu Touray demanded access to any investigative report on the matter. But the Vice President revealed that ECOWAS, and not Senegal or The Gambia, would lead any probe drawing murmurs across the chamber.
“Was this an incident or the start of a troubling pattern?” a lawmaker asked pointedly, raising concerns about whether the breach was a one-time lapse or symptomatic of deeper security flaws.
Responding to this, VP Muhammed B.S. Jallow pointed out that “as far as I’m aware, it was an isolated incident,” he said. He firmly denied any internal security breach facilitated the theft, despite growing speculation that the incident exposed serious vulnerabilities.
“This shows that the State House is not secure. What is the government doing to make sure this doesn’t happen again?” Hon. Sanyang further asked?
While VP Jallow maintained that there was “no violation of security laws” at the State House, his vague assurances did little to calm the Assembly.
“Can you tell us exactly how the theft happened?” asked the Member for Busumbala. Jallow said. “I don’t think I can delve into those types of details,” he responded.
The Member for Foni-Bondali asked if disciplinary action had been taken, whether the culprits were jailed or stolen items recovered. The VP responded that military-level disciplinary procedures were underway but stopped short of specifics.
The Member for Janjanbureh, voiced what many were thinking: “This is an embarrassment to both The Gambia and Senegal. What has the government learned from this?”
While VP Jallow reiterated that “security forces have taken note” and actions would follow, the Assembly—and the public—remain unsatisfied. In a nation where trust in public institutions hangs by a thread, silence and secrecy are unlikely to restore confidence anytime soon.
