By Ndey Sow
The Ministry of the Interior (MoI), has recently handed over five vehicles to The Gambia Immigration Department (GID), at a ceremony held at the Ministry’s complex in Kotu. The vehicles were donated to The Gambia by the Spanish Government through the Ministry of the Interior, in support of Gambia’s efforts against irregular migration, as well as to empower the Gambia Police Force (GPF) in the fight against crime in the country.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of the Interior, Permanent Secretary Assan Tangara, described the donation as timely and expressed optimism that the vehicles will strengthen the capacity of the security institutions under the Ministry. PS Tangara thanked the Kingdom of Spain for the constructive partnership and support to the Ministry and its line departments.
The Spanish Ambassador designated to The Gambia, Her Excellency Olga Cabarga, said Spain has been investing in the security of The Gambia since 2006 and that The Gambia and Spain have been cooperating in migration affairs and related areas. She said the initiative is in accordance with the guiding principle of Spain’s foreign relations which is: “putting people first.”
“Spain and The Gambia have developed joint police cooperation against organised crime and irregular migration, to support our Gambian counterparts in the fantastic job they are doing to protect their people. Our aim is to prevent the proliferation of illegal trafficking networks and unlawful practices that put people’s life at risk. We have developed this intense cooperation with The Gambia Immigration Department, The Gambia Police Force and the Gambia Navy,’’ Ambassador Olga explained. She expressed confidence that the donated vehicles will be used to pursue the common goal of the two countries.
Representing the Director General of The Gambia Immigration Department was the Commissioner for Administration, Commissioner Ebrima Mboob. According to him, the donated vehicles will strengthen the response of the Immigration Department in their service delivery for the country, as well as enhance the capacity of the Ministry of the Interior alongside its line departments, in order to positively respond to emerging security threats and effectively implement its mandate.
The occasion was chaired by the Ministry’s Deputy Permanent Secretary (Technical), Gibril Lowe.
