The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Office of National Security (ONS), has launched a 15-day nationwide community outreach campaign aimed at boosting public trust and understanding of Security Sector Reform (SSR).
The initiative was unveiled Tuesday in Kerewan, bringing together community leaders, security representatives, and key stakeholders. The campaign will span multiple regions, using community dialogues and radio platforms to raise awareness and foster cooperation between citizens and security institutions.
Speaking at the launch, UNDP Project Manager Thomas Kimaru emphasized that security is most effective when it is “understood, trusted, and co-owned by the communities it serves.” He noted that the outreach is designed to make complex reform processes accessible, strengthen trust between communities and security institutions, and ensure inclusive participation, particularly by women, youth, and marginalized groups.
“This campaign reflects our commitment to advancing gender equality and inclusive governance,” Kimaru said, adding that the SSR programme is already enhancing institutional capacity, accountability mechanisms, and human rights-based approaches within the security sector.
Abdoulie Sawo, Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at the ONS, highlighted The Gambia’s progress in democratic transition since 2017, with SSR at the core of reforms. He acknowledged challenges in public understanding, especially in rural areas, and stressed that the outreach aims to bridge this gap by empowering community structures to engage meaningfully with security institutions.
“We want to ensure that women, youth, persons with disabilities, and all citizens are actively involved in shaping the security sector reform process,” Sawo said. He added that feedback gathered during the campaign will inform policy and strengthen accountability.
Lamin Saidy, representing the Governor of North Bank Region, welcomed the initiative, noting its importance in reinforcing national security at a time when instability in the Sahel underscores the need for strong governance.
The outreach campaign, supported by UNDP, OHCHR, and the Government of The Gambia, is expected to deepen public awareness, promote transparency, and reinforce the principle that security is a shared responsibility.
