By Fatou Sillah
The National Assembly Member for Kiang East, Hon. Yahya Gassama, has called for urgent national action to address the growing incidence of homicide and violent crime across The Gambia, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to public safety and national stability.
Raising the matter before the National Assembly, Hon. Gassama expressed concern over the increasing reports of killings and violent attacks, describing them as a source of anxiety for citizens and a matter of grave national concern.
He emphasized that the right to life is guaranteed under the Constitution and places a responsibility on both the state and society to ensure the safety and security of all citizens and residents.
“The constitutional guarantee of the right to life imposes an obligation on the state and society alike to ensure that citizens and residents are able to live in peace and security without fear of violence,” Gassama said. “While no society is entirely immune from criminal conduct, the increasing frequency with which reports of killings and violent attacks are being received has become a matter of grave national concern.”
The Kiang East lawmaker noted that The Gambia has historically been recognized as a peaceful nation and a beacon of stability in the sub-region. He warned, however, that the recent rise in violent crime threatens the values and reputation that have long defined the country as the “Smiling Coast of Africa.”
“The Gambia has historically been regarded as a peaceful country and a beacon of stability within the sub-region,” he said. “Our cherished reputation as the Smiling Coast of Africa has been built not merely on hospitality but also on the values of peaceful coexistence, respect for human dignity, and communal solidarity. It is therefore deeply troubling whenever these values are threatened by acts of senseless violence and bloodshed.”
Hon. Gassama further highlighted the broader consequences of violent crime, saying its impact extends beyond the tragic loss of life. According to him, violent incidents leave families devastated, traumatize communities, weaken public confidence in institutions, and create an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.
He added that rising insecurity can also undermine social cohesion, disrupt economic activity, and damage the country’s international image.
To address the growing security concerns, Gassama called for stronger community policing initiatives, improved intelligence gathering, and enhanced collaboration between security agencies and local communities.
“The recent developments should serve as a wake-up call to all of us,” he stated. “They underscore the need for renewed efforts towards strengthening community policing, improving intelligence gathering, and enhancing collaboration between security agencies and local communities.”
He stressed that maintaining peace and security is a shared responsibility, urging citizens to promote tolerance, reject violence, resolve disputes peacefully, and uphold respect for human life.
“Above all, they remind us that peace and security are collective responsibilities. Every citizen has a role to play in promoting tolerance, discouraging violence, resolving disputes peacefully, and fostering respect for the sanctity of human life,” he said.
Comments are closed.