By Bubacarr Gaye
Senegal’s Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Mame Seydou Ndour, on Thursday, 9th of January, 2025, paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of Interior, Abdoulie Sanyang at his office in Kotu.
The visit, hosted by the Minister of Interior of The Gambia, Hon. Abdoulie Sanyang, significantly reaffirmed the deep-rooted relationship between the two neighbouring nations.
The discussion was centred on enhancing peace, security, and stability in the sub-region, emphasising The Gambia and Senegal’s shared history, culture, and future aspirations.
In his address, the Honourable Minister highlighted the inseparable bond between The Gambia and Senegal. He noted that despite the colonial demarcations that divided the two nations, the people of both countries have remained one in spirit, culture, and shared values.
“The Gambia and Senegal are more than neighbours; we are one people, united by history, culture, and destiny. Our collaboration in peace and security is not only an obligation but a necessity for the prosperity of the sub-region. As we confront cross-border challenges such as organised crime, terrorism, and trafficking, our unity is our greatest strength. The Interior Ministry remains committed to fostering bilateral and multilateral cooperation to uphold the safety and stability of our people,” he stated.
The Minister emphasised the importance of continuous dialogue and mutual respect between the two nations, particularly in maintaining secured borders while promoting the free movement of people and goods. He also expressed optimism that the visit would strengthen the mechanisms already in place for joint operations, intelligence sharing, and capacity building in law enforcement.
Mr Seedy Mucktar Touray, Inspector General of Police, The Gambia, expressed gratitude to his Senegalese counterpart for responding positively to the invitation and praised the historical collaboration between their respective police forces. He emphasised the importance of coordinated action to address the dynamic and evolving threats to peace and security in the region.
“Our shared borders and intertwined communities necessitate a unified approach to security. Criminal networks, terrorism, and other transnational threats cannot be tackled in isolation. This is why we prioritise partnerships like the one we have with Senegal. Together, we can build a safer sub-region where peace is the foundation of sustainable development,” he remarked.
IGP Touray also stressed the importance of community policing as a tool for strengthening civilian trust in law enforcement. He called for innovative ways to integrate traditional community conflict resolution methods with modern policing practices to ensure lasting peace.
In his remark, General Mame Seydou Ndour, Inspector General of Police, Senegal, underscored the historical and cultural ties between Senegal and The Gambia, emphasizing that the two nations are “one people, separated only by artificial borders imposed during colonial rule.” He praised the collaborative efforts already in place, such as joint border patrols and intelligence sharing, as examples of the progress the nations have made toward regional security.
“Senegal and The Gambia share a unique bond that transcends borders. Our collaboration is an example to the rest of the sub-region of how nations can work together for peace and development. We must continue to deepen our partnership in combating transnational crimes, safeguarding our communities, and fostering an environment where both nations thrive,” he alluded.
General Ndure highlighted the significance of partnerships in countering emerging threats, such as cybercrime and violent extremism. He reaffirmed Senegal’s unwavering support for continued bilateral and regional security initiatives and thanked the Gambian authorities for their commitment to unity and cooperation.
The meeting concluded with a unanimous call for peace and stability in the sub-region. The leaders agreed on pursuing key areas that will enhance security between the two neighbouring countries.
