By Landing Ceesay
The United Nations has unveiled a $3 million project aimed at strengthening The Gambia’s ongoing Security Sector Reform (SSR) Strategy.
The initiative entitled “Sustaining The Gambia’s Peaceful Transition by Supporting Implementation of the Security Sector Reform Strategy,” the initiative is funded by the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (PBF). It is a joint effort between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
This comprehensive initiative seeks to address institutional gaps in The Gambia’s security sector, ensuring that security forces respect human rights and positively contribute to society. The project embraces a human rights-based approach, emphasizing the role of citizens as rights-holders and security personnel as duty-bearers. It also promotes inclusive civic engagement, particularly encouraging the participation of marginalized groups, such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
The United Nations will collaborate closely with The Gambia’s government, including the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Interior, the Office of National Security (ONS), security institutions, independent commissions, academic bodies, and civil society organizations (CSOs).
Mr. Karl-Frederick Paul, the UN Resident Coordinator in The Gambia, emphasized the transformative potential of the project in reshaping the country’s security sector. He envisioned a future where every Gambian feels safe and protected, with security forces seen as guardians of peace and human rights.
“I want each one of us to take a moment and imagine a Gambia where every citizen feels safe and protected, where our security forces are seen not as intimidating figures, but as trusted guardians of peace and human rights. This isn’t just a dream – it’s the future we’re building together through this crucial project. But we must act now. I stand before you not just as the UN Resident Coordinator, but as someone personally committed to seeing this vision become reality. As we gather here today, we recognize that the overarching goal of this project to build strong, accountable, and effective security institutions that safeguard the human rights and aspirations of the Gambian people.
“In a post-transition period, our commitment to these ideals is especially crucial for conflict prevention and sustaining peace. Together with the Government of The Gambia, we embark on this journey to ensure that security sector reform is not only about strengthening institutions but also about enhancing the relationship between security actors and the citizens they serve. The SSR project, made possible through the generous contribution of $3 million from the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), embodies a collaborative effort between the UN, the government, and Civil Society. Together, we are committed to supporting the people of The Gambia in creating security institutions that are not only effective and accountable but also grounded in the principles of human rights and gender inclusivity,” he told the gathering.
The UN Resident Coordinator further stated that the project emphasizes the crucial fact that human rights and security are deeply interconnected, with violations often serving as potential precursors to conflict.
He stressed that by building capacity and fostering accountability, they will not only enhance the effectiveness of the security institutions but also restore public trust and confidence in these vital entities.
Mr. Paul also told the gathering that recognizing The Gambia’s commitment to regional and international human rights instruments, the UN understands the responsibility that lies upon the security sector actors: to respect and uphold human rights in all their operations.
“In this regard, we are dedicated to addressing key challenges -such as weak legislative frameworks, inadequate representation of women in decision-making roles, and the need for improved accountability mechanisms—all of which are crucial to fostering a more secure and equitable society.
“This project builds on the remarkable gains from The Gambia’s peaceful transition, continuing our collective momentum through the implementation of the Security Sector Strategy (2023-2027). In doing so, we draw inspiration from past interventions and recognize that sustainable change is only possible through coordinated efforts among government partners, security institutions, civil society organizations, and the communities they serve,” he said.
The UNDP Resident Representative to the Gambia, Mandisa Mashalogo, explains that the project is designed to support the country’s Security Sector Reform Strategy and also aims to close the gender gap within the sector.
“This project, designed to build strong, accountable, and effective security institutions, is aligned with the government’s Recovery Focused National Development Plan (2023-2027). The RF-NDP is not just a roadmap; it is an inspiring vision that underscores our shared aspiration for a secure, prosperous, and inclusive Gambia. A key component of this project is the promotion of gender-responsive reforms within the security sector, ensuring that the rule of law and human rights are upheld.
“Currently, women’s participation in the security sector is limited, often due to entrenched social and cultural norms. This project aims to address these barriers head-on, ensuring that women are not only included but empowered to participate fully in decision-making and leadership roles within the security sector.
To achieve this, a comprehensive Gender Policy for all security institutions, accompanied by monitoring and evaluation frameworks will be developed to ensure its effective implementation,” she stated.
The UNDP boss in the Gambia said this will include institutionalizing gender-responsive training programs, promoting male gender champions, creating gender-friendly facilities, and establishing safe spaces for all.
Additionally, She informed the gathering that there is a capacity-building and awareness-raising component that aims to dismantle the structural barriers that hinder women’s full participation within the security sector.
She stipulates that closing the gender gap and including persons with disabilities are not just objectives but essential requirements.
“Addressing gender disparities and promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities within our security frameworks is not merely a goal; it is our obligation. By fostering a security sector that reflects the diversity of the society it protects, we enhance accountability, improve institutional effectiveness, and build deeper trust between citizens and their security providers.
“As we embark on this project, we also take stock of the significant work ahead in strengthening legal frameworks, enhancing institutional capacities, and promoting civil oversight mechanisms. Together, we will work diligently to ensure that our security sector not only adheres to international standards but also embodies the principles of accountability, public service, and responsiveness to the needs of all citizens,” she stated.
Meanwhile, Mr. Pateh Jah, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Service, emphasized the importance of Security Sector Reform and outlined the efforts the Gambian government has undertaken to reform the sector.
“It is important to note that Security Sector Reform is key to the attainment of good governance, conflict prevention, and peacebuilding. In this respect, the Government of the Gambia places great emphasis on Security governance, and therefore in 2017 under the leadership of His Excellency, Adama Barrow, the Government initiated Security Sector Reform to improve the way security institutions serve the people.
To attain this goal, the government not only developed a National Security Strategy (NSS) and a Security Sector Reform Strategy (SSRS) but also established the Office of the National Security to spearhead the implementation of SSR. In addition, the Government has been working on strengthening oversight institutions such as the National Human Rights Commission, the Office of the Ombudsman, and the National Assembly,” PS Jah stated.
OS Jah stated that in The Gambia, SSR is not about addressing immediate security challenges alone, but also laying the foundation for sustainable peace. He said effective security institutions as earlier alluded to are crucial for peace, development, and freedom.
Mr. Jah said without reform, security structures may be outdated, inefficient, and even serve as a source of insecurity.
“In this regard, the maintenance of peace and the prevention of conflict is a shared responsibility requiring collaboration between the Government, development partners, civil society, and the public. Hence, I would like to express the appreciation of the Government to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights (UNHCHR), and the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) for your continuous support and partnership with the government of The Gambia,” Mr. Jah said.
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