By Kebba AF Touray
The Interior Minister, Abdoulie Sanyang, addressed lawmakers on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, outlining the government’s approach to issuing national ID cards for citizens abroad and measures to tackle reckless driving on the country’s roads.
During a question-and-answer session, Hon. Assan Touray, representing Bakau on behalf of Lower Baddibu lawmaker Hon. Yaya Gassama, asked why the Gambia Immigration Department (GID) had prioritized issuing ID cards to Gambians overseas while citizens within the country reportedly faced delays.
Minister Sanyang explained that the GID had so far conducted enrollment in three countries—Mauritania, Gabon, and Togo—to ensure all Gambians enjoy equal rights. “All citizens aged 18 and above have the right to apply for the ID Card, regardless of their geographical locations,” he said, citing Section 17, subsections 1 and 2 of the Nationality and Citizenship Act.
He added that Gambians living abroad retain their citizenship and require valid ID cards to access consular services, legal identification, and re-entry to countries they visit. “Many Gambians abroad face legal or administrative challenges without valid ID Card, and reaching citizens outside the country to enroll them for ID Cards helps to prevent statelessness or legal complications for our citizens in foreign countries,” he noted. The minister said that while enrollment abroad is temporary and targeted, domestic ID issuance has been streamlined, allowing citizens to obtain cards within two weeks.
On road safety, Hon. Saikou Bah of Basse asked what penalties exist for drivers who hit streetlight poles or roadside barriers. Minister Sanyang responded, “Drivers found guilty of violating the motor traffic act and regulations are charged and arraigned before the court. In the meanwhile, where the case involved damage to public property, it is assessed and the full cost for repairs is borne by the drivers responsible.”
He outlined plans for a digital traffic enforcement system to improve road safety and shared that the new Road Transport Bill is in its final stages. The legislation is designed to modernize traffic laws, set stiffer penalties, and establish an authority to regulate and coordinate road safety procedures. The bill will also address vehicle registration and licensing, commercial transport regulations, and driver training standards, aiming to enhance efficiency, environmental sustainability, and safety on Gambian roads.
Minister Sanyang concluded by assuring lawmakers that “the Gambia Police remains strongly committed to ensuring the safe use of our roads and highways through continuous highway patrols.”
