By Buba Gagigo
Hon. Mama Kandeh, Party Leader and Secretary General of the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) has called for the security forces to be armed amid the killing of two paramilitary officers at Sukuta Traffic Lights.
“As a concerned citizen, I raise a question that pertains to the firearms carried by our security officers while on duty. Rumors have circulated that these weapons are loaded with rubber bullets. I am uncertain whether this holds any truth, and I seek clarification from the esteemed Mr. IGP.
“If it indeed happens to be the case, and such a practice has been considered standard, I do not object. However, I implore Mr. IGP to recognize that our society is evolving. As the generational landscape changes, so must our approach to law enforcement.
“In times past, when discipline was prevalent within our nation, such measures may have seemed unnecessary due to the existing order. Regrettably, in the current state of our country, discipline appears to be in short supply. It is my hope that this inquiry prompts us to reflect upon the need for adaptability in our methods of maintaining law and order in today’s society.” Kandeh said.
According to the Gambia Democratic Congress leader, the lack of discipline that pertains in the country since 2017 means there are changes in the Gambia and measures need to be taken to adapt.
“If there’s no discipline, it means there are changes, and if there are changes, you should change to match the current generation. Because of these changes, since 2017 to date, we must pause and reflect on the unfortunate toll exacted on Gambians in our country. Lives have been lost unnecessarily, people who didn’t deserve to meet such tragic ends. In the Gambia, a place once known for its peace, there’s been a concerning rise in incidents. From 2017 to the present day, it’s imperative we ask ourselves: how many Gambians have fallen victim to violence?
“We’ve witnessed an unprecedented surge in armed robberies, a phenomenon hitherto foreign to our land. This change has left us all deeply troubled. We must address this issue head-on. To our esteemed Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the entire office of the IGP, let this serve as a crucial lesson. Our security forces, who work tirelessly to safeguard our nation, deserve our unwavering support.
“If a lack of trust and confidence in our security apparatus is the underlying concern, then we must reevaluate our recruitment processes. It’s inconceivable to appoint individuals to protect our citizens if we harbor doubts about their abilities and trustworthiness. Let us, as a united nation, place our trust in our security forces and equip them adequately to fulfill their duties. They are not mere officers; they are fellow Gambians with lives and families, and their safety should be paramount.” he said.
Hon. Mama Kandeh Party Leader and Secretary General of the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) made these remarks through a WhatsApp audio on Sunday.