By Aja Beyai
The Inspector General of Police, Seedy Muctarr Touray, has issued a blunt warning that wealth, political connections and influence will not protect anyone from prosecution, as the Gambia Police Force graduated its first intake of 2026 on Wednesday at the Serrekunda West Mini Stadium.
Addressing the new officers and a high-profile audience that included Interior Minister Abdoulie Sanyang (representing President Adama Barrow), National Assembly Speaker, Chief of Defense Staff Lt. Gen. Ousman Gomez, Liberia’s Inspector General of Police, former Gambian IGPs including Yankuba Sonko, diplomats and families of the recruits, Touray framed the occasion as both a celebration and a clear signal ahead of the December 5 presidential election.
“Your conduct will reflect directly on the reputation of the entire Gambia Police Force,” the IGP told the graduates. “Wear this uniform with honor and never disgrace the force through misconduct, indiscipline or abuse of authority.” He described the uniform not as a source of personal power but as a symbol of public trust and discipline, stressing that discipline remains the foundation of effective policing.
Touray was unequivocal on corruption. “Corruption and abuse of office and deliberate compromise of police duties will not be tolerated. Officers who betray public trust must expect accountability,” he said, listing extortion, bribery and abuse of office among the offenses that would trigger consequences.
He then turned directly to criminal elements. “We will not surrender our communities to lawlessness or allow criminals to intimidate law-abiding citizens. No individual, group, or institution is above the law, and nobody should mistake our professionalism for weakness.”
Expanding on the point, he added: “I issue a warning to anybody who intends to engage in criminal activity. Wealth, influence, connection and intimidation will not place offenders beyond the reach of the law. Anyone who commits a crime must be prepared to face its lawful consequences.”
The IGP also cautioned the public against taking the law into their own hands. “No allegation justifies assaulting, punishing or unlawfully detaining another person. Report suspected crimes to the police and allow the law to take its course,” he said. He noted that the Force must stay ready for organized crime, human trafficking, drug trafficking, cyber-enabled offenses and other emerging threats through intelligence-led policing and inter-agency cooperation.
Speaking on behalf of President Barrow, Interior Minister Abdoulie Sanyang congratulated the new officers and said their graduation strengthens the police’s operational capacity. He stressed that national security rests not only on equipment but on officers’ competence, readiness, and integrity, and that effective policing is defined by the lawful exercise of authority and partnership with communities rather than by Force alone.
“Community-oriented policing must remain a cornerstone of our national policing strategy,” Sanyang said, calling for sustained collaboration with traditional leaders, women, youth and civil society. On the election, he reminded officers of their duty to remain politically impartial: “Your constitutional and professional obligation is to serve the Republic and all its citizens, regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity, social standing, or personal beliefs. You must remain politically impartial and resist any attempt to use your office for partisan interests. Your loyalty must be to the Constitution, the laws of The Gambia, and the public interest.”
He said police must facilitate lawful political activities, protect citizens and maintain public order, with any restriction of rights being lawful, necessary and proportionate. Both the IGP and the Minister emphasized the need for coordination among security services, the Independent Electoral Commission, political parties and the public.
Touray closed with a specific election warning: “Anyone planning violence, intimidation, assault, property destruction or other crimes during the electoral period — Political affiliation provides no immunity from the law.
No individual or group will be permitted to threaten the peace and tranquility of the nation under the guise of political activities.”
The ceremony marked the new officers’ formal entry into active service at a time of heightened political sensitivity.
