The recent surge in violent crime in The Gambia, often resulting in loss of life, has intensified public concern about safety. While many instinctively blame the Gambia Police Force (GPF), the situation is broader than policing alone.
The GPF has shown commitment through swift arrests, increased patrols, community engagement, and continuous capacity-building. These efforts prove the police are not indifferent. Yet, they still appear to be responding after crimes occur, highlighting the need to look beyond the police for solutions.
Crime in The Gambia is a national problem requiring coordinated action across institutions. One key player that must be part of the discussion is the Gambia Immigration Department (GID). Reports of non-Gambians involved in crime make immigration control crucial. The GID’s responsibility to regulate and monitor entry and residence is central to national security, yet the ease with which individuals, some undocumented, integrate into communities raises concerns.
The presence of young and sometimes underage sex workers from across the sub-region further exposes weaknesses in border management and internal monitoring. These issues show that rising crime reflects broader governance shortcomings, not just policing challenges.
For crime to be effectively addressed, institutions must work together—police, immigration, local authorities, social services, and communities. Fragmented responses will only keep the nation in a cycle of reaction rather than prevention.
Equally important is accountability. Crime and corruption feed each other, and where impunity exists, criminal activity grows. Enforcing anti-corruption laws and ensuring justice applies equally to all is essential for restoring trust and safety.
The Gambia cannot rely on policing alone. A unified, coordinated, and accountable national effort is the only way to curb rising crime and protect lives.
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The recent surge in violent crime in The Gambia, often resulting in loss of life, has intensified public concern about…
The post Rising Crime and the Need for a National Response appeared first on .
