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Gambian Officials Embroiled in Corruption Scandals
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High-ranking officials in The Gambia have been accused of accepting bribes from criminal actors, facilitating illegal activities such as the illicit trading of rosewood and protection for foreign nationals engaged in illegal mining and fishing practices.
Police Officers Involved
According to sources, police officers are among those accepting bribes, allowing criminal activity to thrive under their noses. This corruption has also provided a safe haven for Bissau-Guinean drug traffickers and other criminal networks from neighboring countries.
Judicial System Plagued by Corruption
The country’s judicial system is also plagued by corruption, with allegations of mistreatment and abuse at the hands of law enforcement officials. Prisons are overcrowded, with poor food quality, sanitation issues, and limited access to basic services.
Country’s Fight Against Organized Crime Under Siege
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Despite efforts to combat organized crime, The Gambia’s government has been accused of lacking a comprehensive strategy to tackle the issue. The country’s borders are vulnerable to cross-border incidents due to its proximity to Senegal, which is known for illicit activities.
Cybercrime Legislation Needed
The absence of cybercrime legislation leaves the country’s digital integrity at risk, while the economic regulatory environment requires significant improvement to foster greater political freedom and establish a sustainable economic regulatory capacity.
Victims of Organized Crime Face Limited Support
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Victims of organized crime in The Gambia face limited support due to the absence of a comprehensive policy and insufficient resources. A short-term shelter has been established to provide support and services to vulnerable individuals, but there is still no comprehensive witness protection program in place.
NGOs Play Vital Role
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have played a vital role in challenging restrictive laws and securing favorable judgments in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court. Despite this, remnants of past practices can still be observed, such as the closure of privately-owned media stations.
Economic Reforms Underway
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The Gambia’s government has initiated various economic reforms aimed at creating a more favorable environment for businesses to thrive and contribute to the country’s economic growth. These reforms include:
- Streamlining the process of starting new businesses
- Reducing costs
- Expanding the social registry
- Digitalizing the tax system
Much Work Remains
However, much work remains to be done to address the root causes of corruption and organized crime in The Gambia. The country’s transition from a era of suppression of the press has faced challenges, but significant efforts have been made to create an environment conducive to media development.