At the heart of the engagement is a growing recognition that effective security reform must be driven not by assumptions, but by evidence and the voices of citizens. Head of Governance and Peace building at UNDP, Sainey Ceesay, stressed that the study marks a critical shift toward data-driven policymaking.
“Too often, decisions are based on perceptions without facts. This report reflects what people truly feel about their safety and the services they receive,” he said, noting that the validation process ensures both credibility and national ownership of the findings.
The nationwide survey examined public awareness of Security Sector Reform (SSR), trust in institutions, service delivery, and youth attitudes toward security. Its findings paint a sobering picture: crime particularly theft and burglary remains a dominant concern, while drug abuse among young people is emerging as a serious and growing threat.
Equally striking are disparities in how security is experienced. Women and low-income households reported feeling significantly less safe, with many expressing insecurities even during daylight hours; an indication of deep-rooted vulnerabilities that demand urgent, inclusive responses.
National Security Adviser Abubacarr Suleiman Jeng described the forum as a vital milestone in The Gambia’s post-2017 democratic transition. He noted that while progress has been made in strengthening civilian oversight and institutional frameworks, the real test lies in public trust and lived security.
“This survey reflects realities on the ground. Government will ensure that identified gaps are addressed as part of ongoing reforms,” he assured.
As The Gambia continues to rebuild its security architecture, stakeholders agree that the success of reforms will ultimately depend on one key measure: whether citizens feel safe, heard and protected.
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