By: Jankey Ceesay
The Ministry of Defence, in partnership with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) and with funding from the European Union, has launched a two-day national workshop aimed at strengthening national awareness and institutional coordination on security issues.
The workshop brings together permanent secretaries, heads of government ministries, departments and agencies, as well as development partners, to improve cooperation in implementing national security measures.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence welcomed participants and partners and encouraged them to actively engage in discussions. He said effective participation and stronger collaboration among national institutions are essential to achieving lasting development and strengthening the country’s security framework.
Dr. Adedeji Ebo, Director and Deputy to the High Representative at the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), said the workshop provides an important opportunity for stakeholders to exchange ideas and strengthen national efforts. He urged participants to take full advantage of the two-day programme and contribute meaningfully to the discussions.
Minister of Defence, Hon. Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, described the workshop as a significant step toward promoting wider national awareness on security challenges. He said today’s security threats, including the trafficking of weapons and other transnational crimes, require stronger institutional cooperation and coordinated national action.
“The workshop is more than a technical meeting. It is a platform to inspire collaboration, build national resilience, and encourage institutions and partners to share experiences in addressing emerging security threats,”
The minister said, The workshop supports The Gambia’s efforts to strengthen national security governance by enhancing coordination among government institutions and improving the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004).
According to research, United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540, adopted in 2004, requires all UN member states to prevent non-state actors, including terrorist groups, from acquiring, developing, transporting or using nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and their delivery systems. The resolution also calls on countries to establish effective laws, border controls and export regulations to prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction.
The Gambia has continued to work with international partners, including the European Union and UNODA, to strengthen its legal framework, improve institutional coordination and build national capacity to meet its obligations under the resolution while enhancing regional and global security.
