By Nelson Manneh
The Coordinator of the Civic Bantaba, Mr Alieu Jobe, on Tuesday, 25 June 2024 raised concern over the increasing Kush-related death cases in The Gambia.
“I have been advocating tirelessly against drug abuse in The Gambia. In our previous radio panel discussion, we delved deeply into the critical issues surrounding illicit drug abuse in our nation,” he said.
The Civic Bantaba is a private platform that features prominent figures and authorities who are dedicated to combating drug trafficking and drug abuse in The Gambia.
With regards to National Dialogue on Drug Abuse, he said it is imperative to initiate a comprehensive national dialogue on drug abuse, which involves all segments of society, including government officials, civil society organizations, healthcare providers, educators, and community leaders to address the root causes of drug abuse and develop effective strategies to address them.
Mr Jobe said religious leaders can play a crucial role in addressing the consumption of illicit drugs; therefore, the authorities should use them in the fight against illicit drugs.
“By leveraging the influence of religious leaders, we can reach a broader audience and reinforce the moral and ethical imperatives against drug abuse,” he said.
He said the government should continue to enhance the capacity of Drug Enforcement Officers. “Fighting drug abuse is one of the most challenging tasks, often fraught with avenues for corruption. If officers are not God-fearing and ethical they cannot do much in the process,” he added.
Additionally, he said that the high risks associated with drug enforcement necessitate that officers are well-equipped and thoroughly trained, noting that enhancing the capacity of drug law enforcers through better training, resources, and support will ensure they can effectively combat drug trafficking and abuse while maintaining integrity and safety.
“Addressing drug abuse also requires tackling one of its root causes and this includes unemployment among others. Providing gainful employment opportunities can offer viable alternatives to individuals who might otherwise turn to drug trafficking or abuse out of economic desperation,” he stated.
He said that creating jobs and fostering economic growth, can help reduce the prevalence of drug abuse in the communities.
He explained that the Civic Bantaba will remain committed to being the trusted voice of the community, promoting awareness, and supporting initiatives that lead to a healthier and drug-free society.
