By Abdou Mbye, Communication Officer, Office of the Vice President
The National Early Warning and Response Mechanism Coordinating Centre (NCCRM), a satellite agency under the Office of the Vice President (OVP), received a donation of smart gadgets from the ECOWAS Protection and Human Security Integrated Coordinated Mechanism (ECO-PHSICM) on Friday, 7 January, at their office complex in Kololi.
The donated items are aimed at enhancing the collection and analysis of data related to human security threats by systematically monitoring and reporting conflict indicators. This initiative represents a significant step toward improving national security and promoting data-driven decision-making.
In her address, Miatta Lily French, the ECOWAS Resident Representative in The Gambia, emphasized that the gadgets would bolster the country’s efforts in areas such as protection and security.
“Early warning systems cover various components, including health, nutrition, and climate. We urge that all relevant information is provided comprehensively, ensuring that these resources are used to their full potential. We also hope that sustainability measures will be put in place,” Ms. French stated.
Saikou Trawalleh, the Deputy Permanent Secretary (DPD) Technical, highlighted the critical role the gadgets will play in strengthening the country’s ability to prevent, respond to, and mitigate national security threats.
“The equipment being handed over will significantly enhance coordination in addressing various ECO-PHSICM concerns, including human rights violations, human trafficking, smuggling, and gender-based violence,” DPS Trawalleh noted.
Binta Singhateh, Director of NCCRM, expressed her gratitude to ECOWAS for the generous donation, emphasizing that the gadgets will greatly improve the efficiency of data collection, analysis, and information dissemination.
“These gadgets are essential for collecting and analyzing data, and they will directly enhance the quality and timeliness of our national security reports,” Director Singhateh remarked.
The donation is expected to strengthen The Gambia’s early warning systems and improve its overall capacity to manage security threats more effectively.
