By Mustapha Jallow
Officials from the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF) engaged in crucial talks on Monday, discussing the progress and strategies for the implementation of Integrated Border Management (IBM) in the Gambia. The session, held at a local hotel in Bakau, brought together senior DCAF representatives, heads of security agencies, government officials, and partners.
The IBM concept, launched in 2023, aims to fortify national security, streamline trade and travel, and address the issue of porous borders in the country. It emphasizes anti-corruption measures as an integral part of the comprehensive border management system.
The discussions centered on ensuring effective, efficient, and coordinated border management systems, paving the way for well-controlled and secure borders. The integrated IBM concept is expected to eliminate policy contradictions and redundancies, enhancing the overall effectiveness of its implementation.
Mark Lynch, Border Management Advisor for DCAF in Banjul, highlighted the significance of the day, emphasizing the development of a Service Level Agreement (SLA) as the foundation for subsequent actions. Lynch addressed the challenges faced by Gambia, known as a hub for human trafficking and irregular migration, stressing the importance of fortified border control points to curb illicit activities.
“The IBM will give all stakeholders engaged in border security in The Gambia the mechanism to work more efficiently and effectively together,” Lynch remarked.
DCAF, known for its contributions to sustainable peace and development, assists partner states and international actors by providing legal and policy advice, supporting capacity-building, and creating innovative knowledge products. The organization plays a pivotal role in promoting norms and good practices in the security sector.
Despite significant progress in the security sector reform process since 2017, border security remains a central focus for all security institutions in The Gambia. The government’s commitment to reforming the security sector is evident through the adoption of key policies, including the national security policy in 2019, the National Security Strategy in 2020, and the security sector strategy for the years 2020-2024. Efforts to address porous borders and enhance border management systems are seen as critical in safeguarding national interests.
