30 Police Command Trained On Policy Strategic Planning, Democratic Control. 

By: Alieu Jallow

Five days training for 30 Police officers is currently underway at paradise suits hotel in Kololi. The training is meant to enhance the capacity of Police Officers on democratic control, Police accountability, strategic planning, respect for human rights and adherence to the rule of law. 

The training is also meant to foster understanding on gender mainstreaming, coordination with media and other stakeholders. 

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Yankuba J.N Sonko Security Adviser to the Ministry said the training will strength the capacity in consolidating the democratic gains aligned to the newly launched National Security Policy.

Mr. Sonko thanked the ECOWAS Security Commission, the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and other partners.

Mr. Ebrima Bah, the Assistant Policing, Planning and Training of the Gambia Police Force, representing the Inspector General of Police pointed out that the training will enhance the knowledge and skills of the selected participants thus enabling them to execute their social responsibilities and to demystify the public perception of the police.

Mr. Bah urged the participants to use the opportunity wisely and share the knowledge with their colleagues who were unfortunate to be part of the training. He also thanked the ECOWAS Commission on security and GIZ for the support.

ECOWAS and GIZ Representative Claude Kondor the senior security adviser of GIZ Africa outlined the role of GiZ and their support for the Gambia Police Force in consolidating democracy, security and stability. Mr. Kondor said the initiative came as part of the ECOWAS Policy Framework as planned in August 2018. He indicated that a similar training will be conducted to strength the role of the civil society organisations in promoting accountability, responsibility and efficiency.

Mr. Kondor called on the participants to utilise the opportunity in order to make good decisions to come with sound policies that will consolidate the democratisation of the Gambia.