By Buba Gagigo
The Gambia Police Force, supported by the GIZ Police Programme—a German development agency dedicated to improving police effectiveness and accountability—launched a three-day Police Bill validation workshop on Tuesday.
This workshop aims to review and validate the proposed Police Bill in collaboration with key external stakeholders. Held at a local hotel in Senegambia, the event gathers regional governors, chiefs, Alkalos, and various partners.
Prominent figures in attendance included Teresa Olbert, Gender and Communication Advisor at the GIZ Police Programme; Seedy Mukhtar Touray, Inspector General of Police; and Yankuba JN Sonko, the consultant responsible for drafting the bill.
Inspector General of Police Seedy Mukhtar Touray emphasized that the process was highly consultative and inclusive, ensuring that the needs and aspirations of a broad cross-section of Gambians were considered.
“In May 2024, the consultant and TW members consulted with the civil society, public officials, the press and private citizens at the Ministry of Interior conference room, again from the sixth to the ninth, August 2024 the consultant TW members and a cross-section of police officers did the internal validation of the bill at Nana conference center,” the Inspector General of Police said.
He highlighted key aspects of the draft bill, which include the establishment, constitution, functions, and structure of the police, as well as the capacity, capability, and integrity of the police force.
The bill also covers the appointment, qualifications, functions, duties, and removal of the Inspector General of Police, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Assistant Inspector General of Police, and commissioners of police.
Additionally, the bill outlines the establishment and functions of various police units, including the human rights and professional standards unit, police prosecution department, gender and vulnerable persons protection department, and community policing units.
It addresses recruitment, training, promotion, discharge, retirement, and conditions of service for police force members. It also details the powers and duties of Gambia Police Force members, the use of arms, and the use of force.
“Recruitment of constables and professionals, training and connected matters. Promotion, discharge, retirement and conditions of service of members of the police force. Powers and duties of members of Gambia police force. Arms for the police, police use of force and related matters. In totality, the above encompasses the justification for the existence of the Gambia police force. It’s restructuring both human and material, budget allocation, powers to enforce the laws and its legality mandated to expectations for professional service delivery and accountability to the community members and rationalization for the use of force to achieve a desired goal within the confines of the rule of law,” the IG listen among what is included in the bill.
Former Interior Minister Yankuba JN Sonko, the consultant tasked with drafting the bill said the objectives of the bill is to provide for a more efficient and effective police force that will be based on the principles of accountability and transparency, respect and protection of human rights and to partner with the community and other security services.
Sonko emphasized that the police force will be accountable to Gambian laws in all its operations and actions; stating,”They will also be accountable to the people of this country for its service delivery in line with the policing needs of the various communities they served and also to the government for the use of government resources and other resources provided for by other partners,” he said.
Regarding human rights, Sonko noted that the bill seeks to ensure that the police force upholds the Constitution and other laws, protecting the fundamental rights of every person during arrests, detentions, charges, and other activities. This includes special attention to the rights of women, children, and other vulnerable persons.
“And in particular, the rights of women, children and other vulnerable persons who, from time to time, come into contact with them, either as a witness or a victim, and to be fair to all persons, irrespective of their economic status, sex, religion, ethnic, political or other affiliations,” the Draft bill constant said.
On community partnership, Sonko said the bill aims to foster mutual relationships with broader society to enhance public safety and security through community partnerships and collaboration with other security services or agencies.