A major step toward building safer and more inclusive communities was taken today as the National Council for Civic Education (NCCE), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and with support from the Government of Japan, launched a week-long Community Policing Civic Forum.
Running from June 2 to June 10 across the Greater Banjul Area and the West Coast Region, the forum is designed to foster dialogue, accountability, and collaboration between citizens and law enforcement. It forms part of the project “Strengthening the Rule of Law and Promoting Women- and Youth-led Community Security,” which seeks to rebuild trust and ensure that policing reflects the needs of the people it serves.
A Platform for Dialogue
At the opening ceremony, Ms. Fatima Sonko, Governance Analyst at UNDP, emphasized that strong police-community relations are the foundation of peaceful and democratic societies. She highlighted the project’s commitment to restoring public confidence and creating safer spaces for women and youth.
Representing the Gambia Police Force, CSP Mariama Jallow, Head of Community Policing, stressed that effective policing cannot succeed in isolation. “It thrives when communities actively support crime prevention and share intelligence,” she noted, underscoring the strategic importance of partnership.
Mr. Yusupha Bojang, Chief Civic Education Officer of the NCCE, reminded participants that peace and security are shared responsibilities. “Peaceful societies are not the responsibility of security institutions alone. They require the active involvement of citizens, leaders, women, and youth. Building democratic resilience requires a shared commitment to the rule of law,” he said.
Building Democratic Resilience
With elections approaching, the forum comes at a critical time. By strengthening inclusive, community-driven security, the initiative aims to ensure that citizens feel empowered to contribute to peace and stability.
The launch of the Community Policing Civic Forum marks a significant milestone in The Gambia’s journey toward democratic resilience — laying the groundwork for stronger cooperation, safer communities, and a more peaceful future.
