“The SIS DG intervention doesn’t only stop at the agency. However his benevolent gesture has reached other security units across the country. Wherever he (Ousman Sowe) go and learn that the security is encountering some difficulties, his top priorities are always to ensure that it’s immediately addressed,” Krubally posited
Krubally was speaking during the SIS boss’ recent visit to 2nd Infantry Battalion as part of his countrywide security assessment tour. Sowe inspected key installations at the Barrack including the newly built armory sponsored by the SIS with a view to strengthening capacity and to improve the security condition of the Farafenni Camp.
The Gambia’s Intelligence Chief, who has been credited for transforming the SIS into one of the best intelligence agencies in Africa, is currently on national security tour. The countrywide tour of DG Sowe is an annual event designed to meet and engage with staff of SIS, sister services, local leaders and cross section of the public. According to them, this approach is part of the ongoing reforms, repositioning and restructuring of the SIS.
In addition to these interventions to strengthen the security response capacity, the DG Sowe extended similar support to the police in Farafenni to increase visibility and robust presence and patrols in the region as election approaches.
The country’s spy chief said: “I also want to thank the general public for their continued support and trust bestowed on the SIS that allows for the unprecedented reforms and restructuring in the past four to five years. Again, it’s important that we all exercise tolerance, social cohesion and harmony as we enter the election to ensure peace and security.”
He thanked the soldiers for their continuous sacrifice and dedication to duty. He urged them to maintain their high morals in the face of the numerous challenges as better days are ahead. He further advised the soldiers to continue collaborating and coordinating their activities with other security services and to remain vigilant.
He also stressed the important role of the general public in ensuring national security is everyone’s business. He encouraged more civil-security collaboration and cooperation in terms of sharing information which is timely to provoke immediate security response. He cited the manifestation of civilian security partnership in Kerr Pateh and encouraged people to see security officers as their friends and not their enemies.
DG Sowe reiterated the importance of peace and security citing recent improvements of the security environment in Kerr Pateh and satellite areas due to the presence of security services in the said village. He referred to the statements and remarks by the indigenes of Kerr Pateh during the recent inauguration of the new SIS building/office about how secure and peaceful they now feel. The people of the area admitted to having a high sense of security as criminal activities in the area have drastically reduced. The SIS DG further posited that the Service wants the same to be replicated in all the regions especially those prone to cross-border crimes.
Sowe called on Gambians to unite and work towards the development of the country and maintain the country’s peace and stability which it is known for, while urging the public not to allow “politics to divide us” as Gambians are one people.
“Indeed the Gambia is calm and peaceful and the country is ready for a peaceful election. However, as Gambians, it’s of paramount importance for us to exercise restraint, tolerance, social cohesion and harmony as elections will come and pass whilst the people will continue to stay. Violence is a recipe for diseases and hunger among others; and that all should endeavour to embrace peaceful coexistence and calmness as we approach the elections.”
