Over the past five years, numerous criminal activities, including stabbing, armed robbery and theft have been recorded across The Gambia. One community endangered by the criminals is Manjai Kunda, with residents asking for the swift intervention of Adama Barrow’s government to fix the trouble.

Victims’ account

Saffiatou Colley, a night shift worker, recalled a last month encounter that nearly took her life, while closing from work around 2 a.m. She said three boys had approached her with a knife threatening her to leave her bag or be stabbed to death. She claimed to have been pushed to the ground and as they attempted to collect her bag, a man appeared to her rescue.

“I did not report the case to the police because I don’t know those boys. Due to my attack, I lost my job. I told my boss that I could not work at night. So, he needed to change my shift to day time. But he refused. Then I resigned from the job because I couldn’t trade my life for anything,” she said.

According to Saffiatou, she voted for Adama Barrow and she is now expecting his government to take a concrete step to address security problems in Manjai; especially armed robbery. She tasked Barrow to keep his campaign promise to ensure every Gambian life is safe and secure.

Business people such as shopkeepers are usually key targets of the criminals. A shop owner, Abdoulie Sowe, also in Mankai Kunda was a victim. He lost D70, 000 to criminals, who broke into his shop and stole items including gas bottles, crates of soft drinks, packs of soap, among others.

He has no idea who broke into his shop. Although he reported the case to the police, nothing came out of it.

“I am even afraid of continuing my business because those who stole from me are still free; and they might come back again,” Abdoulie lamented. 

Sowe challenged the government to put mechanisms to solve security issues in Manjai because no one can do business in an unsafe place.

Ramatoulie Sallah, whose house was broken into by a thief, said while asleep around 5 a.m.; she heard footsteps in the room. As she peeped through the window, she realised it was a thief. She shouted, but the thief had already escaped with a decoder and a laptop before the neighbourhood was alerted.

“I reported the case to the police but there was no success in recovering my stolen items. I want this new government to make a stop to such things in my community. It is now very difficult for me to sleep at night now because of the previous experience,” she expressed.

The thieves have also robbed public worship places such as mosques in Manjai. Ebrima Jallow, a member of Manjai a Mosque Committee, said equipment such as loudspeakers, microphones, battery, and some Quranic books were stolen from their Mosque. As other cases mentioned, the police did not find the thieves.

He grieved that it will cost them a lot for them to buy the stolen equipment again, as they rely on donations. He further said that the security issue in Manjai is alarming and a step needs to be taken.

Barrow’s promise

Referencing his manifesto during the December 4 presidential election campaign, Barrow has promised to equip the armed and security forces to the fullest to be able to address the issue of insecurity in the country.

In addition, in May this year, President Adama Barrow in a televised address to the nation on national security, assured to keep the country safe

 “Fellow Gambians, it is my primary duty as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Gambia Armed Forces to keep this country safe. Therefore, let me assure you all that I will discharge my responsibilities both day and night without fear or fear, affection or ill will,” he said.

He added that his government would continue to do everything possible to boost the capacity of the Gambia Police Force and other internal security services in relation to personnel equipment and training in order to enhance their capability to all threats and crimes.

“I call upon the organs of the state, the judiciary, the legislator and the media to play their roles and complement one another to nip the surge in crime rates,” Barrow said in the televised address.

Perspective of expert

Sheriff Gomez, a security expert said the causes of security problems like crimes related to theft and armed robbery can be attributed to frustration, hopelessness, unemployment, desperation and inadequate distribution of resources.

To solve the problem, he suggested the government study, know and understand the causes and reasons of the crimes for solutions.

Gomez went on to say that the internal security agents such as the police need resources required, to maximise their delivery in ensuring safety and security of the people.