Financial Crime World

Gambian Government Faces Challenges in Fight Against Organized Crime

Banjul, Gambia - The Gambian government is struggling to combat organized crime due to a lack of cooperation among law enforcement agencies and inadequate information sharing systems.

Challenges Faced by the Government

  • Lack of specialized units to target organized crime
  • Prison facilities face significant challenges, including overcrowding, poor food quality, and limited access to basic services
  • Intelligence agency has a history of arbitrary detention and torture during previous regime
  • Reports of excessive force by police against protesters have surfaced
  • Absence of cybercrime legislation leaves the country’s cyberspace vulnerable

Economic and Financial Environment

  • The government has taken steps to combat money laundering and financial crime, including establishing a Financial Intelligence Unit
  • However, there is still a need for further strengthening of enforcement capacity
  • Efforts underway to streamline process of starting new businesses and addressing key obstacles
  • Government committed to deepening democratic governance and establishing sustainable economic regulatory capacity

Civil Society and Social Protection

  • Support and protection for victims of organized crime have been limited due to absence of comprehensive policy and insufficient resources
  • Government has made efforts to increase protection measures, such as victim identification
  • Short-term shelter established to provide support and services to vulnerable individuals, particularly those affected by human trafficking
  • Collaboration with NGOs to combat human exploitation and trafficking, and education programs implemented to educate students about trafficking and prevent forced begging

Press Freedom and NGO Activism

  • Government’s transition from suppressing the press has faced challenges, but significant efforts made to create environment conducive to media development
  • Occasional pressures on media outlets and instances of brutality by security forces, no journalists arbitrarily detained in recent years
  • NGOs have enjoyed increased freedom to operate, resulting in greater presence and influence in the country
  • Requirement for NGOs to register with authorities poses potential hurdle

Conclusion

The Gambian government faces significant challenges in its fight against organized crime, including inadequate information sharing systems and lack of cooperation among law enforcement agencies. The country’s economic and financial environment also requires improvement, while civil society and social protection initiatives are underway. The press and NGOs have made progress in recent years, but more work is needed to ensure their continued freedom and influence.

The Gambian government must prioritize these issues to effectively combat organized crime and promote a safe and stable environment for its citizens.