Group photo of the community engagement
By Makutu Manneh
Officials from the North Bank Regional Command of the Gambia Immigration Department on Tuesday held a community engagement meeting in Niumi Jinack, the second such outreach in the area, as part of efforts to curb irregular migration, commonly known as the “backway.”
The meeting focused on raising awareness about the risks associated with irregular migration and on strengthening cooperation between immigration authorities and local communities, which officials described as essential to effective border management and national security.
The engagement was led by the regional operations commander, Chief Superintendent Pa Muhammed Phatty, alongside the Regional Border Patrol Unit coordinator, Deputy Superintendent of Immigration Pa Malick Gibba, and other immigration officers.
Addressing residents, Deputy Superintendent Gibba praised the community for its positive response to previous outreach efforts and said collaboration with local residents was central to preventing dangerous sea journeys that have claimed the lives of many young Gambians. He added that community cooperation enhances the department’s ability to carry out its mandate and support broader national security objectives.
Chief Superintendent Phatty emphasized the importance of compliance with immigration regulations, pointing to alien registration as a key area where community involvement is critical. He said adherence to immigration laws plays a vital role in safeguarding both community and national security, and noted that local authorities and other law enforcement agencies are important partners in that effort.
Community leaders welcomed the initiative and pledged their support. The Alkalo of Jinack, Mamadou Manneh, and the chairman of the Village Development Committee, Amadou Manneh, said the village was committed to working closely with the immigration department and other security agencies. Mr. Manneh said the committee had begun registering all non-citizens visiting the village, a step he described as evidence of the community’s commitment to complying with immigration regulations.
The meeting ended with both immigration officials and community representatives reaffirming their intention to continue working together to discourage irregular migration and promote respect for immigration laws.
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