By Buba Gagigo
The German Police Support Team (GPST) has handed over a 40ft container of equipment, a riot Van, a Cement Mixer, and three buildings at the Police Training School, worth over 26 million Dalasi in a ceremony presided over by the Deputy Inspector General of The Gambia Police Force, Momodou Sowe.
Madam Gabriel Boner, Charge d’Affaire of the Federal Republic of Germany in The Gambia, said her country is committed to supporting the Gambia Police Force in its efforts to maintain peace and security in the country.
“Today we would like to take the next step into our future: – Handover of proper gear, which is indispensable for daily missions and improving the overall operational capabilities of the GPF. We are proud to hand over equipment worth over D26 million Dalasi today. To enhance the capabilities of the Police Intervention Unit, we present: 1 Anti-Riot Van, in addition to 3 vans we already provided last year, 320 boots, 400 tactical gloves, 400 batons, 200 protective vests, 65 nbc masks, 200 riot suits, 150 balaclavas amongst other items – and 100 radios with accessories,
of which we already presented 50 to the PIU instantly after the North Bank Incident in order to enhance their communication capabilities during the missions that followed,” she said.
The Deputy Inspector General of The Gambia Police Force, Momodou Sowe who presided over the handing over of the materials said the materials will help to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of service delivery.
“These materials being handed over today are indeed needed by the Gambia Police Force and will undoubtedly enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of service delivery to the people of this country. I wish to take a solemn declaration before this august body that the materials will actually reach the intended beneficiary unit and will be put into good use,” the Gambia Police Force DIG said.
The handover ceremony which took place at Banjulding was witnessed by representatives from all the sister forces, the National Security Adviser, and some international partners including DCAF, GIZ, UNDP, and The US Embassy, as well as high-level officials from The GPF and the Ministry of Interior.