According to officials, it is a critical component of The Gambia’s broader Security Sector Reform (SSR) process.
The ceremony was graced by security officials, civil society organisations and media.
At the event, Hulay Jallow, Deputy Director General of Immigration, disclosed that the evaluation was conducted by the Centre for Research and Policy Development (CRPD), an independent research body, tasked to assess the project’s outcomes and impact in enhancing the efficiency and accountability of the GID.
"Using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, including desk reviews of project documents and perception surveys, the assessment sought to measure the project’s deliverables and capture the realities underpinning its achievements." she said.
Madam Jallow spoke about the unprecedented success registered thus far, adding that the report also highlighted the drafting and validation of the GID Bill 2024, a legislative framework currently under cabinet review.
That, she added, are all designed to modernise immigration laws and align them with the Smuggling of Migrants Bill.
She also talked about a significant rise in female representation in leadership, which she said, increased from 4% in 2019 to 21% in 2024, surpassing project targets.
"The GID also became the first security institution in the country to develop and adopt a Sexual Harassment Policy, alongside a comprehensive Gender Policy."
That evaluation, she went on, additionally recorded high ratings in transparency, accountability and fairness in GID operations, while noting ongoing challenges related to corruption and harassment in some instances.
She also rated their overall effectiveness of their operations at 57%, marking a 12-point increase from 2023 and a 17-point increase from 2019.
"These gains reflect strengthened internal administration, operational efficiency, and improved inter-agency cooperation with other security services."
Mark Lynch, head of office, DCAF The Gambia, acknowledged that it is important to recognise that the project formed a fundamental component of a larger DCAF-SSR focused programme that also included and continues to include specific EU support for the Gambia Police Force (2021-23) and to Supporting Gambia Security Sector Reform for Improved Security, Migration and Border Management (2023-2026).
He added that DCAF's work contributes directly to The Gambia's broader Security Sector Reform (SSR) agenda and aligns firmly with national development objectives.
To assess the project's outcomes and impact, he said, an independent final evaluation was commissioned in 2024 and carried out by the Centre for Research and Policy Development (CRPD).
He further said that the evaluation applied a mixed-methods approach, including a population-based perception survey, a staff survey of GID personnel, key informant interviews as well as focus group discussions.
"Today is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made under the SDC-GID project, share lessons learned, and highlight areas for continued reform and institutional strengthening," he added.
Furthermore, Mr. Lynch called for transparency and accountability in a bid to foster dialogue around key themes such as border governance, gender equality, human rights, the sustainability of institutional reform and how to further develop a people centred approach.
Also speaking, Mr. Abraham K. Mendy, deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Interior, said the independent evaluation conducted by CRPD, highlights significant progress including improved professionalism within GID, stronger institutional oversight, enhanced gender mainstreaming, and more coordinated approaches to border security and migration management.
