Foreign Nationals Engaged in Illegal Mining and Fishing Practices Face Crackdown in The Gambia

The Gambian government has announced its intention to crack down on foreign nationals involved in illegal mining and fishing practices along its coastline. Investigations have uncovered evidence of fish processing plants operated by foreign firms exporting illegally caught fish to Vietnam, where it is re-labelled and sent to China.

Illegal Activities Exposed

• Fish processing plants operating illegally along The Gambia’s coastline
• Foreign firms exporting illegally caught fish to Vietnam, then re-labelling and sending it to China
• Reports of Asian firms linked to the illicit timber business, transporting stolen timber from Casamance through The Gambia to end markets in China

Corruption Remains a Major Concern

Despite efforts to combat corruption, The Gambia’s institutions remain flawed. Government officials have been accused of accepting bribes and engaging in corrupt public procurement practices. The lack of transparency and accountability has led to widespread abuse of power.

Challenges Faced by the Country

• Lack of inter-departmental and inter-ministerial information sharing
• Poor cooperation between government agencies
• Ineffective information and communications technology system
• Limited specialized drug treatment facilities
• Concerns about witness protection

Efforts to Combat Corruption and Organized Crime

The Gambian government has taken steps to combat money laundering and financial crime by establishing a Financial Intelligence Unit and cooperating with international organizations. Economic reforms are also underway to create a more favorable environment for businesses to thrive and contribute to the country’s economic growth.

Civil Society Plays Crucial Role

Civil society organizations have played a vital role in challenging restrictive laws and securing favorable judgments in the ECOWAS Court. They have also advocated for the repeal or amendment of laws that curtail press freedom.

However, there are concerns about the requirement for NGOs to register with the authorities, which poses a potential hurdle to their operations.

A Call to Action

The Gambian government must take decisive action to combat corruption and organized crime. The international community must also provide support and assistance to help the country address these challenges.

It is imperative that the government prioritizes economic reforms and creates a favorable environment for businesses to thrive, while also protecting victims of organized crime and promoting transparency and accountability.