The initiative, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Japan, forms part of the project “Strengthening the Rule of Law and Promoting Women & Youth-Led Security for Inclusive Justice and Democratic Governance in The Gambia.”
Over the next eight days, the forum will move through four strategic venues across the Greater Banjul Area and the West Coast Region, engaging more than 150 influential voices.
At the opening ceremony, Ansumana Ceesay, NCCE Program Manager underscored the importance of the forum, describing it as a decisive step forward in bridging divides between the protectors of the state and the citizenry.
This partnership initiative, he went on, has provided more than financial resources and has offered a vital lifeline for national security frameworks, while empowering NCCE to lay the solid groundwork for sustainable peace.
‘‘The mission of the forum is clear: to cultivate mutual trust, bridge historic communication gaps, and address accountability and security concerns between communities and law enforcement.’’
Also, Ceesay outlined that security is not a static commodity, reminding that it is a living ecosystem built on mutual trust and shared responsibility.”
With crucial elections on the horizon, the NCCE official maintained that inclusive policing and community-centric security are more critical than ever.
He reminded that electoral periods often strain the social fabric of developing democracies, making peaceful coexistence and adherence to the Rule of Law essential for stability.
He thus appeal to law enforcement officers to set aside institutional defensiveness and listen to the community with an open, empathetic mind, while also encouraging youth, women, and community leaders to share their experiences, and claim their space in this security dialogue.
Chief Superintendent Mariama Jallow, head of Community Policing, outlined the need for collective responsibility in ensuring national security is strengthen at all times.
Chief Supt. Jallow highlighted that effective security cannot be achieved by the police alone.
“Security is a shared responsibility that requires active participation from all members of society,” she stated, underscoring the need for collaboration between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
She said that community policing is built on partnership, trust, dialogue, and cooperation, reminding that by fostering these values, the police and citizens can work hand in hand to build a secure, peaceful, and prosperous nation.
Chief Supt Jallow thus urged participants to continue engaging in dialogue and supporting initiatives that empower women and youth, noting that their involvement is vital for sustainable peace and justice.
Chief of Brikama North, Lamin Mondo Jatta, called on participants to uphold the rule of law, reject tribalism, and avoid hate speech.
He equally urged all that security is a shared responsibility built on partnership and mutual trust.
