National Consultative Workshop on the Policy Objectives of the SSR

Attorney General & Honourable Minister of Justice,

ECOWAS Representative,

AU Representative,

Representatives of Civil Society Organizations,

The National Security Adviser,

Service Chiefs,

UN Colleagues,

The Media,

Good morning to you all.

It is a great pleasure for me to address this esteemed gathering at the 3-day National Consultative Workshop on the policy objectives of the Security Sector Reform (SSR) in The Gambia. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all participants, including representatives from the Government, civil society organizations, and international partners, for their commitment and engagement in this significant endeavor.

This workshop is a crucial platform to raise awareness on the ownership process, partnerships, and resource mobilization related to the SSR, a vital initiative that was launched in 2017. By embarking on a comprehensive reform of its security sector, the Government of The Gambia has made the choice of strengthening justice and security institutions to render them accessible and responsive to the needs and rights of all women, men, girls, and boys in The Gambia.

Reforming the security sector is part of the Government’s wider reform agenda to further transform the country and uphold the highest standards of democratic governance. This is why the UN through the Peacebuilding Fund over the years, invested funds to support the SSR agenda in The Gambia, targeting key actors to support the process and ensure the ‘Never again’ mantra is adhered to.

The Security Sector Reform in The Gambia represents a collective effort to build a strong, accountable, and effective security apparatus that safeguards the rights and aspirations of the Gambian people. It is heartening to note that since its inception, the United Nations has been a steadfast supporter of this reform process. The UN's support demonstrates our unwavering commitment to promote peace, stability, and respect for human rights in The Gambia.

During these three days, we have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, share experiences, and explore innovative ideas that will shape the future of the SSR in The Gambia. This workshop aims to foster a deeper understanding of the policy objectives surrounding the SSR, emphasizing the crucial aspects of ownership, partnership building, and resource mobilization. These pillars are fundamental for the successful implementation of the reform process, ensuring its sustainability and long-term impact.

Ownership, in particular, lies at the heart of the SSR initiative. The Gambia's commitment to taking charge of its security sector transformation is commendable. It is imperative that the Government, civil society, and other relevant stakeholders continue to collaborate closely, fostering inclusive dialogue and participation. By doing so, we can collectively define the priorities, strategies, and mechanisms needed to ensure that the SSR reflects the aspirations and needs of the Gambian people.

Partnerships as highlighted in SDG 17 is crucial in the success of every initiative more so the SSR process. The involvement of international partners, such as the United Nations, AU, ECOWAS and EU brings invaluable expertise, resources, and technical support. This workshop provides a unique opportunity to strengthen existing partnerships and explore avenues for new collaborations. Together, we can enhance the capacity of The Gambia's security institutions, promote good governance, and foster a culture of respect for the rule of law.

Additionally, resource mobilization is a critical aspect that cannot be overlooked. The implementation of the SSR requires adequate funding and resources to effectively address the identified challenges and priorities. I call upon all stakeholders, including the Government, development partners, and civil society organizations, to explore innovative financing mechanisms and ensure sustained investment in the security sector. Mobilizing resources will enable us to build the necessary infrastructure, enhance training programs, and provide support to the reform process at all levels.

In conclusion, I encourage all participants to actively engage in the discussions and deliberations during this workshop. Let us leverage our collective wisdom, experiences, and expertise to develop a comprehensive and inclusive roadmap for the SSR in The Gambia. This is crucial to ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for all its citizens. The UN remains dedicated to supporting the Gambian government and people in this transformative process, standing firmly behind their efforts to build a security sector that upholds the rule of law, respects human rights, and promotes the well-being of all Gambians.

I wish you all a very successful workshop and thank you for your kind attention.

Jerejeff