By: Nicholas Bass
The Director General of Gambia Prison Services, Ansumana Manneh, has disclosed that between two and three prisoners escape from Mile Two Central Prison each year.
In an interview with The Voice, DG Manneh said that the annual escape rate from the state’s prison is extremely low, ranging between 0.0% and 0.03%.
He explained that most escapees quickly cross into Senegal, often within minutes or hours, but assured that the National Prison Services is working to further reduce these incidents.
“Maybe the news reports a prisoner escape in a given week, but over the course of a year, only two or three prisoners would actually escape,” he said.
DG Manneh highlighted the role of the security memorandum between The Gambia and Senegal, which enables the immediate arrest and return of escaped inmates who cross the border. He explained that the MoU allows both countries to apprehend suspected criminals and ensure they are brought before a court of law.
The director further emphasized the benefits of Senegal’s institutional capacity and expertise for The Gambia, particularly in terms of capacity building for prison staff.
He also revealed plans to construct a new correctional centre designed to house inmates while providing rehabilitation programs that will equip them with life-changing skills.
Addressing prison safety, DG Manneh noted that prison officers are generally trained not to use weapons, as their presence can traumatize inmates. However, weapons are used when escorting high-profile inmates to prevent escapes.
“Having weapons in prisons is not ideal for officers, but it is necessary in certain cases. That is why psychological training is essential for all prison officers,” he concluded.
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By: Nicholas Bass The Director General of Gambia Prison Services, Ansumana Manneh, has disclosed that between two and three…
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