The state-of -the-art project, part of joint EU-German Support to The Gambia Police Project, is being financed by the German Federal Foreign Office (AA) and co-financed by the European Union (EU); highlighting the collaborative efforts to enhance law enforcement capabilities and improve public safety across The Gambia.
The Farafenni ceremony, which marked the launch of the project will also see construction of similar modern police station in Brikama, Soma, Makama Sireh and Basse and represents a significant milestone in The Gambia's ongoing security sector reform process.
Designed with human rights at their core, these new police facilities will have spaces for separate cells for women and juveniles, a dedicated Gender and Child Welfare Office, a large charge office with seating for the public, proper sanitary facilities and even cafeteria.
According to officials, these stations will be constructed using compressed earth blocks, a more sustainable and climate conscious approach that aligns with broader EU commitment to green infrastructure.
Welcoming the gathering, Seedy Lamin SaidyKhan, governor of the North Bank Region, acknowledged that the country since 2017, has witnessed significant gains in many fronts, as people now enjoy rule of law, freedom of expression and other human rights values.
That, he said, is amply demonstrated in the current democratic dispensation, indicating that the number of development initiatives ushered in by the Barrow-led administration is countless.
Klau Botzet, German Ambassador to The Gambia, said the initiative is part of the joint EU-German Support to The Gambia Police Force, funded by Germany and EU, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to enhancing security and governance in The Gambia.
Ambassador Botzet maintained that Germany is dedicated to supporting The Gambia in its transition towards democracy.
“Our efforts align with the international sustainable Development Goals Agenda and the German Government’s Africa policy guidelines including the BMZ Africa Strategy and the Foreign Security Concept for Integrated Peace Engagement of the Federal Foreign Office.”
The German diplomat affirmed that supporting the Gambia Police Force is crucial not only in ensuring public safety and security but also promoting stability and peace in the region.
He acknowledged the critical role of GPF in implementing public order safety and security within the country, thanks to the leadership in particular of the Inspector General of Police.
These modern facilities, he said, will strengthen police structures and improve operational efficiency, adding that these new police stations are designed to meet international human rights standard and local condition, which will have a positive impact on the community safety and trust.
Depuy Ambassador of the European Union, Raphael Brigandi, expressed delight to be part of the groundbreaking ceremony of new model police stations, which he said, will be one of the several that will be built in this phase of their joint EU-German support to Gambia Police Force programme.
He commended the German ambassador for his comprehensive approach when it comes to supporting the security sector and police in particular.
The move, he added, also underlines the joint EU-Germany- an important member of the European Union’s security sector reforms and that it also represents one of the key reforms they have supported during the current democratic dispensation.
The Deputy EU Ambassador acknowledged that the ceremony in Farafenni doesn’t only mark the start of construction in the town, but also marks the launch of new generation of Police stations that will be built in other communities in the country.
In his keynote address, Seedy Mucktarr Touray, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), revealed that a lot of thoughts went into the selection process, as sites were chosen to ensure that they have modern police stations in the four strategic regions of West Coast, Lower River, North Bank and Upper River Regions.
“We are profoundly grateful to the financiers of this magnificent project namely the European Union and the Federal Republic of Germany. In the project first phase, three modern police station were built in Serrekunda, Bundung and Bakoteh.’
IGP Touray noted that these police stations will significantly improve the working conditions of officers stationed in the area as well as services that will be offered.
IGP Touray maintained that they are working closely with the government of The Gambia, communities and their international partners like the EU and the Federal Republic of Germany to realise these goals.
