By: Alieu Ceesay
The Gambia Police Force’s International Affairs Unit has received a significant boost to its operations following a generous donation of office furniture and equipment from the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).
The handover ceremony, attended by senior police officers, diplomats, and Turkish officials in The Gambia, included six desktop computers, office workstations, chairs, a high-capacity printer, a microwave oven, and other essential items. The donation is expected to enhance the unit’s efficiency and modernize its working environment.
Commissioner of International Affairs Famara Jobarteh said the support stemmed from an initial courtesy call by TIKA Gambia Director Ali Kerim shortly after he assumed office late last year. Jobarteh briefed Karim on the unit’s responsibilities and operational challenges as a relatively new division.
“He graciously pledged support to complement our efforts in ensuring the smooth functioning of the office. Today, he has fulfilled that promise,” Jobarteh said, describing the donation as another testament to Turkey’s consistent backing of the Gambia Police Force.
TIKA has previously assisted the police institution in various capacities, and Jobarteh expressed deep gratitude for the agency’s ongoing partnership.
TIKA Gambia Director Ali Kerim explained that the project aims to improve the unit’s technical capacity and institutional efficiency. “We believe this support will further strengthen the longstanding friendship and cooperation between our two countries,” he stated.
The International Affairs Unit plays a key role in security cooperation between The Gambia and Turkey, including facilitating training and academic opportunities for Gambian officers pursuing studies in Turkey.
Turkish Ambassador to The Gambia, F. Türker Oba, praised the professionalism of the unit’s officers, noting their readiness for international deployments, including United Nations missions. “I have visited this office many times and witnessed how efficiently it operates,” Ambassador Oba said. He expressed confidence that the new equipment would boost productivity and service delivery.
Representing Inspector General of Police Seedy Muktar Touray, Assistant Inspector General of Police for Administration Ebrima Bah described the donation as timely. Having served in the unit for three years, Bah said he experienced firsthand the difficulties posed by inadequate facilities.
“A conducive working environment is essential for effective policing. Proper desks, chairs, computers and other tools are fundamental to enhancing officers’ efficiency, morale and overall service delivery,” Bah noted, reading the IGP’s statement.
He also commended TIKA and the Turkish Embassy for broader capacity-building support, including recent public order management training ahead of national elections. He praised Commissioner Jobarteh for expanding international partnerships.
The donation underscores the deepening bilateral ties between Turkey and The Gambia, with a focus on institutional strengthening, professional development, and improved public service delivery within the police force. Officials from both sides expressed optimism that the enhanced facilities will enable the International Affairs Unit to advance better security cooperation and support Gambia’s law enforcement objectives.
