By: Nicholas Bass
The Director General of Senegalese Prison Services, Aliou Ciss is on a four-day working visit to The Gambia during which he is expected to strengthen existing ties between the two countries.
In a meeting with his Gambian counterpart at The Gambia Prison Services Headquarters in Banjul on Monday Ciss said the existing MoU between The Gambia and Senegal started during the reign of Sir. Dawda K. Jawara.
“Our two state authorities have undertaken initiatives aimed at promoting peace, security, and cooperation in several strategic areas, including defense, security, and justice,” he noted.
,Inspector Ciss revealed that the MoU between Senegal and The Gambia would equip both countries through training, intelligence sharing that will prevent inmates from escaping from detention centers.
For his part, the Director General of The Gambia Prison Services, Ansumana Manneh, disclosed that the Senegambia Prisons’ memorandum would promote human rights and mutual benefits for both countries.
He said that the partnership between The Gambia and Senegal focused on prison administration, justice reform, and security cooperation.
“We are gathered here not simply for formalities or ceremonial courtesy, but to take bold, intentional steps towards deepening our regional cooperation in one of the most critical sectors of our governance architecture, the justice and correctional systems,” he noted.
Mr. Manneh highlighted the need to modernize, aligning with international standards, describing such reforms as the heart of the nation’s commitment to human rights, national security, social reintegration, and ultimately, the rule of law.
He explained that the MoU between The Gambia and Senegal would add weight to the nation’s security reforms in rehabilitation, education, skill development, and reintegration of inmates.