National Security Adviser Reechoes Gov’t Commitment to Security Sector Reform

Photo Credit: Voice Out Digital

Author: Pa Modou Cham

Today, the National Security Adviser of The Gambia, Baboucarr Jeng, reechoes the government’s commitment to the Security Sector Reform (SSR) process for the continuous demonstration of political will and leadership.

Jeng was speaking at the national dialogue convergent for the members of the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on the key SSR policy and strategic documents which include National Security Policy, National Security Strategy, Security Sector Reform Strategy and National Defense Policy.

He said: “The Gambia government remains committed to the SSR process and will continue to demonstrate political will and leadership. Correspondingly, inclusivity is cardinal, and the office of the National Security mandated to lead the SSR process will continue to endeavour collaboration and partnership with the citizens of which CSOs could play a vital role as important stakeholders.”

Underscoring the importance of the event, he stated that the national dialogue is to implement recommendations that were agreed upon to create a common approach and develop the next steps towards implementing key recommendations such as enhancing effective communication, coordination, collaboration, and partnership.

Jeng continued that the dialogue is also focused on developing a platform that will facilitate and enhance effective coordination between the Office of the National Security and CSOs on the SSR process.

Miattia French, ECOWAS ambassador in the Gambia also stated that ECOWAS has been a key partner of the Gambia’s transformational agenda since 2017 and this includes SSR, saying this is the political and technical process of improving state and human security by applying the principles of good governance in the security sector.

She added that SSR means making security provisions, oversight and management more effective and accountable within democratic civilian control, the rule of law and respect for human rights.

Ambassador Miattia continued: “Every country and society are different in pathway reforms but reforms usually include the combination of changes to laws, policies and practices, behavioural change through training and education of lawmakers, law enforcement and security forces. In this vain, the goal of SSR is to apply the principle of good governance to the security sector.”

She further noted that SSR concerns all state and non-state actors involved in security provision, management and oversight, and emphasizes the links between their roles, responsibilities and actions.