By: Momodou S Gagigo
At least two communities in The Gambia’s Central River Region (CRR) have benefited from an intensive two-day community engagement aimed at combating pressing social challenges, including drug abuse, early marriages, rape, and other vices, while strengthening ties between residents and law enforcement.
Organized by ActionAid The Gambia in partnership with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the dynamic forums took place in Jarreng and Njie Kunda. They brought together diverse participants: law enforcement officers from police, immigration, and drug enforcement agencies; Alkalos (traditional village heads); elders; women; and youth.
The sessions provided an open platform for dialogue, empowering attendees with knowledge about civil rights, access to justice, grassroots dispute resolution, and the roles and responsibilities of security personnel. Discussions emphasized collaboration to maintain law and order at the community level.
Traffic Police officer Ebrima Bah stressed the need for active community involvement, urging residents to report illegal activities promptly. He noted a common challenge: elders and community members sometimes intervene personally to seek leniency when officers enforce laws, which can hinder effective policing.
Ebrima Kinteh, NHRC Regional Administrator for CRR and Upper River Region (URR), explained that the forums educated participants on the Commission’s mandate, powers, and functions. “Such engagements create vital platforms for collaboration between communities and law enforcement to promote and protect human rights,” Kinteh said. He encouraged other organizations to adopt similar outreach to ensure residents understand their rights and responsibilities.
Topics covered included drug prohibition, immigration processes for identity cards and citizenship, bail procedures, road traffic regulations, and penalties. Interactive Q&A sessions with representatives from ActionAid, the police, immigration officials, and the Drug Law Enforcement Agency allowed communities to clarify doubts and gain practical knowledge.
Residents praised the initiative for bringing essential sensitization directly to their doorsteps. Many expressed gratitude to the NHRC and ActionAid The Gambia for addressing critical issues in rural areas, where challenges like drug abuse and child marriage persist despite national prohibitions and ongoing advocacy efforts.
The engagement aligns with broader initiatives in The Gambia to foster mutual understanding, reduce harmful practices, and build trust between citizens and authorities—key steps toward stronger, more informed communities.
