CoPG Raises Alarm Over Rising Insecurity in The Gambia
Growing Security Concerns Prompt Urgent Call for Action
The Coalition of Progressive Gambians (CoPG) has expressed serious concerns about the escalating security situation in The Gambia, calling for immediate government intervention to address the growing threats.
Key Demands from the Coalition
“We urge the government to accelerate security sector reforms that will both reduce crime and better equip our security forces,” stated the advocacy group. The CoPG emphasized these reforms would provide personnel with critical skills to perform their duties effectively.
The organization highlighted several pressing issues:
- Inadequate equipment for security personnel
- Declining morale among service members
- Deficiencies in recruitment and training processes
Impact of Security Sector Challenges
The group directly linked these shortcomings to the rise in serious crimes including:
- Armed robberies
- Unsolved murders
- Sexual assaults
- Kidnapping cases
Training and Funding Shortfalls
“Recent disciplinary cases involving security personnel demonstrate the consequences of insufficient training,” the CoPG noted, while acknowledging that individual accountability remains important.
The coalition made specific recommendations for improvement:
- Increased budget allocation for security services
- Better equipment and mobility resources
- Improved working conditions for personnel
“We strongly advise the Minister of Finance to prioritize funding for this critical sector,” the statement concluded.