The Gambia Immigration Department’s (GID) Risk Analysis Cell (RAC), in partnership with Spain’s Guardia Civil Regional Coordination Centre in the Canary Islands, has launched a day-long capacity-building program focused on irregular migration.
The training, held on June 8, 2026, at the department’s school in Tanji, brought together fifteen Gambian immigration officers and five Guardia Civil personnel for an intensive exchange of expertise and best practices.
The initiative aimed to strengthen operational capacity in safeguarding migrant lives and property at sea, a pressing issue for both nations. Commissioner Omar F. Saidykhan, Coordinator of the Border Patrol Unit, praised the Spanish government for its support, emphasizing the training’s importance in enhancing GID’s migration management strategies. “This collaboration equips our officers with vital knowledge and skills that will directly improve our ability to protect vulnerable migrants,” he noted.
Captain Antonio Fresneda, head of the Spanish Guardia Civil mission in The Gambia, highlighted recent successes in joint operations, citing increased interceptions of irregular migration attempts. He reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to working closely with Gambian authorities, describing the partnership as “paramount in the shared fight against irregular migration.”
The program combined practical exercises with presentations on operational breakthroughs, reinforcing the value of experience-sharing between the two forces. The training concluded with both parties renewing their commitment to deepen cooperation, signaling a stronger resolve to address migration challenges through joint action.
