President Barrow Addresses Nation on Concerning Security Situation

The deteriorating security situation in the country was on Monday the thrust of President Adama Barrow’s address to the nation.

The Gambian leader’s address came at a time when the nation grapples with myriad security problems never preceded by any in the history of the country.

By: Dado Cham

The nation is currently gripped by heightening security concerns as security and safety of people and their property dominate public discourse.

Violent robberies, cases of rape, burglaries, killings and other forms of crime have been making Gambians and those domiciling in the country feeling less safe.

But President Adama Barrow on Monday sent a warning to criminals to disengage from criminal enterprises or risk incurring the wrath of the law.

The President has already given orders for the National Guards Unit of the Armed Forces to be on standby for deployment when needed to assume police duties.

This would be in consonance with the National Guards Unit Police Duties Regulations.

Meanwhile, President Barrow stressed that his government will show no sign of slowing down in enhancing the response capability of the security services to all threats and crimes as the country enters another cycle of elections. This, he continued, would be done through the provision of equipment, training and personnel.

The President also used his address to the nation to reach out to Gambia’s development partners to assist in the efforts for the provision and maintenance of secure and safe environment for the elections and the general wellbeing of everyone in The Gambia.

The Gambian leader also issued a warning against the obstruction of security officers in due execution of their duties.

He also advised against politicization of national security issues.

The alarming crime rate in the country has given birth to Operation Zero Crime in which the police said at least 800 suspected criminals have been arrested in two months with some currently on trial.