Gambia’s security set-up at the Presidency has now been taken over by police officers.
It is the first time in over three decades that this is happening after Yahya Jammeh exited power in 2017.
Gambia’s President, Adama Barrow, a civilian unlike Jammeh, preferres to hand over the set up to the police.
Africanews reports that the decision was made public during a meeting between President Barrow and top police chiefs.
The decision also symbolizes President Barrow’s resolve to restore some level of confidence in the police force.
Barrow said “Under the past regime, the image of the Police in the public domain was quite negative.
It was clouded with mistrust and disrespect, particularly because of the perception of corruption created in the minds of civilians by some irresponsible personnel.”
“The challenge now is for the Police to demonstrate that it is a disciplined and trustworthy law enforcement institution capable of building public confidence and regaining its positive image and past glory.
My government is undertaking a comprehensive security sector reform and the Police Force is an integral part of this reform programme,” Barrow added.
Former Gambian president Yahya Jammeh during his tenure used the military for his security putting enormous trust in the army.
Some of his forces were accused of abductions, killings and torture making his regime fearsome by many Gambians.
He was forced out of power in 2017 after refusing to step down despite losing a presidential election.
Jammeh is currently in exile in Equatorial Guinea. There have been calls for him to be extradited to Gambia to face prosecution.
Source: Africafeeds.com
