By Isatou Sarr
The Gambia Police Force (GPF), in collaboration with the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), on Monday began a five-day Electoral Violence and Security Course aimed at strengthening security preparedness ahead of the December 2026 presidential election.
The course, funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, is being held at Paradise Suites Hotel from October 12 to 16, 2026.
Fifty officers from the GPF and other security agencies are participating in the training, including personnel from The Gambia Armed Forces, Gambia Immigration Department, Gambia Fire and Rescue Services, Gambia Prisons Service, State Intelligence Services and the Drug Law Enforcement Agency of The Gambia.
The training focuses on preventing and responding to electoral violence, maintaining public order and protecting lives and property before, during and after elections.
Opening the course on behalf of Inspector General of Police Seedy Mukhtar Touray, Assistant Inspector General of Police for Administration Ebrima Bah said security agencies must be adequately prepared to address challenges that could arise throughout the electoral process.
He emphasised the importance of early warning mechanisms, professionalism, community engagement and information sharing, urging participants to draw on their respective experiences to improve coordination among security services.
KAIPTC Deputy Commandant Brigadier General Lawrence Deku said electoral violence required specialised skills, careful planning and sustained training.
He urged participants to demonstrate impartiality and discipline and to apply the knowledge acquired during the course in their operational and leadership responsibilities.
Deku also stressed that peaceful elections depended on cooperation among security agencies, electoral authorities, political parties, civil society organisations, the media and local communities.
Those attending the opening included KAIPTC Course Director Assistant Commissioner of Police Edem Agbitor, lead facilitator Deputy Commissioner of Police Victoria Yamoah and GPF Commissioner for International Affairs Famara Jobarteh.
The GPF reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the capacity of its officers and working with partner security institutions to help ensure a peaceful and secure electoral process.
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