National security adviser says they want efficient reformed security

 By Adama Makasuba

National security adviser has expressed hope that his want efficient reformed security sector that will be people centric than state centric because ‘the security should be listening to people.’

Security sector reform was established in 2017 by administration of President Adama Barrow with its principal goal to reforming the security forces in the country.

Momomdou Badjie was on Tuesday speaking at handing over ceremony of ‘media guide books’ by Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF) held at Action Aid Gambia office on Kanifing.

“We have seen the past and what we want now is to come up with security sector that is effective, that’s efficient and that will be listening to the people and ensuring that the people ownership carries us –that is moving away from state centric to people centric,” Badjie told journalists.

He however outlined solution to addressing challenges faced with his office in reforming the security as “to become more political and I think you have all observe what is happening, we always say people think it is technical but no, it is more of politics than a technical aspect-meaning that there must be willingness and it is also politically highly sensitive.”

He said Gambians should be convinced that sector reform belongs to people, and security should be able to deliver the needs and aspirations of the Gambian populace adding “we want to depart from the past and makes sure that we have very close collaborative and cooperative working relations with all the media houses.”

He said despite how Jammeh regime was brutal to Gambians ‘but it is important and we all know most of you suffered.’