Gambia’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed concern about a spate of violent crimes in the urban areas of the country stating that communities no longer feel safe.
“The spate of crimes has necessitated the Gambia Police Force to embark on ‘Operation Zero Crime’ to protect lives and property, maintain peace and security,” the Commission said in a statement made available on Monday.
The crimes include murder incidents, armed robberies, rape, violent burglaries and assaults causing grievous bodily harm.
The statement, signed by NHRC chairperson, Emmanuel D. Joof, also mentioned that there have few rumours of child kidnappings and ritual sacrifices which could not be independently confirmed.
Police patrols which took place from 2 April to 16th May 2021 led to the arrest of 881 suspects, busted criminal gangs and brought some security to communities which have been living in fear, the statement said.
“The Commission wishes to commend the Police high command for this great effort while reminding the personnel in the ‘Operation Zero Crime’ that they have the obligation to respect and protect the fundamental human rights of suspects and these must never be violated or infringed at any time. It is the Courts which have the powers to determine the guilt or otherwise of suspects and impose the appropriate sentence,” said the statement.
It stressed that the commission is equally perturbed by the images of mob justice circulating on social media that victims subject the suspects of these crimes, literally taking the law into their hands and imposing their own punishments on the suspects.
“While the Commission empathizes with the victims and condemns the suffering, and at times the assaults and violence they are put through, it wishes to state categorically that no one has the right to take the law into their hands or subject another person to humiliating, degrading and dehumanising treatment no matter the crime or offence committed,” read the statement.
It pointed out that crimes disturb the peace, instill fear and insecurity in the people, restricts people from carrying out their socioeconomic activities, and scares away investors, tourists and other visitors from the country besides violating the rights of people.
The commission has urged government to provide regular in-country and abroad training in crime management to the Police.
“With criminals getting sophisticated in their operations, law enforcement must be well trained and equipped to effectively confront criminal syndicates and gangs.
“Provide adequate financial support to the Police to carry out its community policing activities. Such financial support should also include suitable incentives and remunerations to law enforcement officers. A lowly paid, demotivated Police Force may be less committed and passionate about crime prevention and management.
“Accelerate efforts in youth employment. This could entail instituting youth employment schemes, programmes and skills centres in all the regions of the country and working with the National Youth Council and other bodies to ensure success of these efforts,” the statement suggested.
