The Select Committee which is headed by the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly is currently carrying out comprehensive reviews and consultations of and with security institutions across the country.
The Committee has given the SIS a resounding clean bill of health, acknowledging the Service’s commitment to reform and strengthening its role in ensuring peace and stability in the country as well as safeguarding citizens and non-citizens alike. The commendations ensued from an extensive assessment by the committee members, who were impressed by the positive changes implemented by and within the Service to enhance national security while upholding transparency and the rule of law.
The Select Committee expressed satisfaction with the SIS's commitment to maintaining law and order in The Gambia. Their thorough appraisal found no evidence of any misconduct or abuse as they toured some of the SIS facilities.
During a routine visit to all security institutions and installations in the country, the Select Committee led by Deputy Chairman Hon Samba Jallow, NAM for Niamina Dankunku, visited the SIS Academy for Security and Strategic Studies.
Upon a satisfactory tour of the Academy, they were impressed and very much appreciative of such a reform success story. They lauded the initiative of establishing such an Academy that trains not only SIS personnel but personnel from other security services as well.
Also, prior to the visit, the committee was gracious to receive the Director General of the SIS, who was invited to give a briefing; an overview of the existing and emerging national, regional and international security challenges.
Appearing before the Committee demonstrates the high level of reforms and accountability of the SIS to the people it serves. This was indeed commended as it was an anathema prior to 2017.
The Committee affirmed that under Hon Ousman Sowe’s leadership, significant reforms have been implemented within the Service. These reforms have fostered accountability, adherence to democratic principles and human rights, ensuring that the SIS serves as a trusted, responsible, and people-friendly intelligence service.
Cognisant of the previous controversial practices and alleged human rights violations of the defunct NIA, the Committee members commended DG Sowe for his visionary approach in spearheading the SIS reforms and ensuring it aligns with national priorities and democratic principles.
The Committee's findings were further supported and echoed by prominent Gambian figures and institutions, who have closely observed the Service's activities. Notably, civil society leaders, human rights activists, and legal experts lauded the SIS for its commitment to safeguarding national security while respecting fundamental human and people’s rights.
Some affirm that under the transformative leadership of DG Sowe, the SIS is continuously undergoing significant positive changes, displaying unwavering dedication to upholding democratic values, ensuring transparency in its operations, and respect for the rule of law.
These commendations highlight the SIS boss reform agenda for the State Intelligence Service since assuming office as Director General. His visionary leadership has focused on transforming the agency into a more accountable institution that operates within legal frameworks and respect for citizens' rights.
Addressing these accolades from the National Assembly Select Committee on Defence and Security, Hon Ousman Sowe expressed gratitude for the recognition of his team's efforts. He emphasised his commitment to continue strengthening transparency measures, prioritise accountability, integrity and human rights within the Service while maintaining its core national security mandate.
“As The Gambia progresses towards greater political stability and economic growth, it is crucially important that institutions like the SIS operate efficiently within their entrusted core mandate.”
“The achievements of the SIS serve as a testament not only to its own hard work but also demonstrate The Gambia's commitment to good governance practices, allowing citizens' trust in their government institutions to grow stronger than ever before.”
The positive assessments from both governmental bodies such as National Assembly Committee on Defence and Security, along with prominent individuals from civil society, esteemed national, regional and international institutions, indicate that under Hon Ousman Sowe's capable leadership, this objective is being effectively pursued.
It could be recalled that the National Human Right Commission recently published its state of Human rights report wherein it was stated that Seventy-one (71) complaints of human rights violations were registered against state security agencies for human rights abuses.
As per the report, none of those complaints were committed by the agents of the SIS. This also served as an additional testament of good conduct and genuine transformation of the SIS under the stewardship of Hon Ousman Sowe.
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