Gambia Hosts High-level UNDP Forum Advancing Security Sector Reform

SSR Forum Photo Source: Ms. Emi Leung - UNDP Governance Officer:
On 2 and 3 October 2025, The Gambia convened a high-level forum focused on advancing its Security Sector Reform (SSR) through an in-depth review of security sector laws and policies. Supported by the UN Peacebuilding Fund and implemented by UNDP, OHCHR, and UNODC, the forum brought together government officials, security agencies, civil society, academia, and media representatives to strengthen knowledge, coordination, and partnerships on SSR. The comprehensive reform effort seeks to transform Gambia’s security institutions into accountable, professional, and people-centered entities that uphold the rule of law, safeguard human rights, and rebuild public trust—foundations essential for the country’s sustained peace and democratic governance following the 2017 political transition.
United Nations Resident Coordinator Karl-Frédérick Paul lauded the Gambian government’s progress, including the recent passage of the National Security Council Bill and the adoption of key policy instruments such as the National Security Policy (2019) and the Security Sector Reform Strategy (2020). He highlighted SSR’s role in promoting inclusive security institutions that engage all segments of society—women, youth, persons with disabilities, and marginalised groups—and underscored the importance of national ownership and accountability in advancing reforms.
UNDP Resident Representative Mandisa Mashologu emphasised that legislative reform is not merely a technical exercise but a vital process for transformation and fulfilling accountability to the Gambian people. She noted UNDP’s leadership in SSR interventions, in partnership with the government’s Office of National Security, and cited the peacebuilding fund-supported program dedicated to sustaining The Gambia’s peaceful transition through the SSR agenda. Representing the Ministry of Interior, Mr. Lamin Gassama stressed the crucial role of strong legal and policy frameworks as the backbone of credible SSR. Recent legislative efforts featured in the forum include the Immigration Bill (approved by Cabinet), while the Police, Prison, and Drug Control Bills are under Ministry of Justice review. Gassama underscored the necessity of robust stakeholder consultation and public engagement to ensure laws and policies are grounded in democratic principles and human rights. Ongoing capacity building and multi-sector partnerships reinforce the reform’s sustainability. UNDP Project Manager Thomas Kimaru explained the forum’s objectives: to enhance SSR actors’ legal knowledge, promote adherence to human rights standards, foster dialogue on priority laws and policies, and build collaboration among security and justice institutions, oversight bodies, and civil society in support of SSR implementation. The forum’s sessions included detailed presentations on the current state, achievements, and challenges of SSR laws and policies by the Office of National Security. Highlights included legal and policy reforms for the Gambia Police Force, Gambia Armed Forces, Gambia Prison Services, and Fire and Rescue Services. A panel discussion focused on the rights of marginalised groups featured participation from the Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD), the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Female Lawyers Association of The Gambia (FLAG), and NAATIP - an anti-human Traficking in The Gambia.. On the second day, discourse centered on the National Assembly’s role in SSR law formulation, with contributions tackling challenges and strategies for legislative advocacy and public engagement. Group discussions prioritized reforms, identified obstacles, and recommended mainstreaming gender and disability inclusivity, reviewing outdated laws, and modernising security services to be rights-centered. Additional speakers at the opening included Mr. Landing Kinteh, representing the Chief of Defence Staff of the Gambia Armed Forces. Ultimately, the SSR forum laid out roadmap for legislative review, amendment, advocacy, and implementation of critical SSR laws and policies. It underscored the need for strengthened political commitment and ownership by all stakeholders, enhanced partnership and coordination among security and justice institutions, the National Assembly, and civil society. The collective commitment expressed at the forum reflects a transformative, shared responsibility to build a security sector that serves the Gambian people, supports the constitution, and contributes to lasting peace and development in The Gambia’s post-2017 democratic transition. The collaborative efforts aim to foster trust, professionalism, and good governance within the country’s security system.

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