The recent validation workshop convened by the Office of National Security (ONS), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), marks a significant step in advancing The Gambia’s security sector reform agenda. Held on Wednesday at a hotel in Kololi, the forum brought together key stakeholders from government, security institutions, civil society, development partners and the media to review findings from a nationwide study on public perceptions of security, service delivery and institutional trust.
The study, conducted by the Centre for Research and Policy Development (CRPD) across all seven administrative regions, offers a timely and critical assessment of how citizens experience security in their daily lives. It highlights both the progress recorded since the democratic transition of 2017 and the enduring challenges that continue to shape public confidence in security institutions.
National Security Adviser Abubakarr Suleiman Jeng rightly underscored that security sector reform must go beyond institutional restructuring and policy frameworks. It must be rooted in the lived realities of the population. When 44 per cent of respondents identify theft and burglary as their primary concern, and when many low-income households report feeling unsafe, particularly at night, it is evident that security remains a daily struggle for a significant segment of the population.
The disparities in perceptions of safety, especially among women and vulnerable groups, point to the urgent need for a more inclusive and responsive security system. While public optimism about future improvements is encouraging, it must be matched by concrete actions that translate policy commitments into real protection for communities.
The role of international partners, notably UNDP and other supporting agencies, remains crucial in providing technical and financial support to the reform process. However, national ownership must remain central, with institutions such as the National Security Council and relevant security agencies leading the implementation of evidence-based reforms.
The study makes it clear that trust in security institutions cannot be presumed; it must be built through accountability, responsiveness and consistent service delivery. The emphasis on data-driven policymaking, as demonstrated by this validation process, provides a credible pathway for strengthening that trust.
As The Gambia continues to consolidate its democratic gains, the priority must now shift from identifying gaps to addressing them decisively. The findings of this study should serve not only as a policy guide but also as a catalyst for measurable actions that enhance public safety and restore confidence in the institutions entrusted with national security.