Corruption and Criminal Activities Plague The Gambia
Lack of Transparency and Accountability Fuel Organized Crime
The Gambia is struggling with a severe problem of corruption and criminal activities that threatens the country’s stability and economic development. According to sources, police officers are accepting bribes from criminal actors, allowing illicit trading of rosewood and other illegal activities to flourish.
- Illicit trading of rosewood and other illegal activities
- Police officers accepting bribes from criminal actors
Corruption Provides Protection for Criminal Activities
Corruption has also provided protection for foreign nationals engaged in illegal mining and fishing practices. Fish processing plants operate along the Senegal border, contributing to the illegal export of fish intended for human consumption.
- Illegal mining and fishing practices by foreign nationals
- Fish processing plants operating along the Senegal border
Environmental Crimes and Cybercrime
The situation is not limited to environmental crimes. Asian firms have been linked to the illicit timber business in The Gambia, while Senegalese soldiers are reportedly involved in the direct transit of illegally stolen timber from Casamance to China.
- Illicit timber business involving Asian firms
- Senegalese soldiers transporting illegally stolen timber
Additionally, The Gambia has become a haven for drug traffickers and rebels seeking temporary refuge before launching operations in their own country. The absence of cybercrime legislation renders the country’s cyberspace vulnerable, posing risks to its digital integrity.
Government Efforts Fall Short
Despite efforts by the government to combat money laundering and financial crime, enforcement capacity remains weak. The economic regulatory environment also requires significant improvement, with key obstacles hindering business growth.
- Weak enforcement capacity
- Key obstacles hindering business growth
Civil Society Plays a Key Role
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have played a vital role in challenging restrictive laws and securing favourable judgments in the ECOWAS Court. However, NGOs face challenges in registering with the authorities, which poses a potential hurdle to their operations.
- NGOs challenging restrictive laws
- Challenges in registering with the authorities
A Way Forward
To combat corruption and criminal activities in The Gambia, the government must prioritize transparency and accountability. This includes strengthening enforcement capacity, improving economic regulatory environments, and addressing key obstacles hindering business growth.
- Strengthening enforcement capacity
- Improving economic regulatory environments
- Addressing key obstacles hindering business growth
Civil society organizations also have a crucial role to play in challenging restrictive laws and advocating for victims of organized crime. Ultimately, a concerted effort by all stakeholders is required to address the deep-seated problems facing The Gambia and create a more stable and prosperous future for its citizens.
- Concerted effort by all stakeholders required
- Addressing deep-seated problems facing The Gambia