By Fatou Sillah
Essa Mbye Faal, leader of the opposition Alliance for Patriotic Progress (APP), sharply criticized the Gambian government on Monday for what he described as persistent lapses in national security that leave citizens vulnerable to violent crime.
Faal’s remarks followed the daylight killing of Isatou Fatty, an employee of Heewaal Money Transfer, at the Brusubi Turntable. He attributed the rise in violent crime to multiple factors, including government inaction, economic hardships, and limited opportunities for the country’s youth.
“We have a government that does not care much about the security of the people, a government that does not put in place the necessary security sector reforms to protect the people, a government that lapses in security are ongoing every day, and they are not doing anything about it,” Faal said.
He also says that citizens should reflect on the state of governance and consider leadership changes if insecurity continues in the country.
“This is food for thought for Gambians as to whether this is the way they want to live. If you have a weak government, what we should do is remove that government from power. That is all I can say, really, for the Gambian people,” he added.
Faal noted that crimes of this nature were once rare in the country but have become increasingly common. He extended condolences to victims and their families, saying, “We are praying for all those who have lost their lives to violent crime, and I extend my heartfelt condolences to the affected families.”