He made his statement during the opening ceremony of a two-day Gambia Armed Forces interface with media persons held at the Joint Officers Mess, Kotu.
He added that the media plays a significant role in educating the masses and creating awareness of the role of the various public institutions. He continued that the media can serve as a platform where people are enlightened on the roles of the security sector and also the role of the public, saying this could help cement the relationship of both the civilians and the security apparatus.
“We understand over the years there has been a public mistrust between the various security apparatus and the civil population. However, there are significant gains in this new dispensation, this has been manifested during the 2019 Afrobarometer survey which shows that two-thirds of Gambians say they trust the Gambia Armed Forces."
MS Bah said that the survey indicates that among the key institutions, the army ranks fourth in popular trust. He emphasised the need to continue such engagement to cement the successes gained over the years.
“The Armed Forces should continue its open-door policy, and engage in proactive disclosure when it comes to giving out relevant and timely information to the public."
“I would also encourage my colleagues in the media to step-up reporting on security matters.”
