Foreign Nationals Engaged in Illegal Mining and Fishing Practices Exposed in The Gambia

A recent investigation has uncovered widespread illegal mining and fishing activities being carried out by foreign nationals in The Gambia. These illicit practices have been linked to organized crime networks, which are exploiting the country’s natural resources and contributing to environmental degradation.

Illegal Fishing Activities

Foreign-owned fish processing plants along the coastline near the Senegal border are illegally exporting fish intended for human consumption.
The fishmeal and fish oil are allegedly being sent to Vietnam and re-labelled on the black market before being re-exported to China, bypassing Chinese food-safety controls.

Illegal Timber Business

Asian firms have been linked to the illicit timber business in The Gambia.
Soldiers from Senegalese army have reportedly been involved in the direct transit of illegally stolen timber from Casamance, passing through The Gambia to reach end markets in China.

Country as a Safe Haven for Criminal Networks

The country has also become a safe haven for drug traffickers and criminal networks from neighboring countries such as Mauritania, Guinea-Conakry, Mali, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.

Corruption and Money Laundering Widespread

Many private companies, including mining companies, have been engaging in fraudulent arrangements involving state officials to combine their legal activities with illegal ones.
The Gambia’s financial sector is plagued by money laundering, particularly in the Serekunda area, where cash-intensive businesses are common.

Challenges and Vulnerabilities

The country lacks effective anti-money laundering measures, and there is a need for further strengthening of enforcement capacity.
The absence of cybercrime legislation also renders the country’s cyberspace vulnerable to criminal activities.

Despite the challenges, civil society organizations have been working tirelessly to provide support and protection to victims of organized crime.
A short-term shelter has been established to provide medical care and counseling services to vulnerable individuals, particularly those affected by human trafficking.

Challenges and Gaps

There is still no comprehensive witness protection program in place, and the identities of witnesses are not typically kept confidential.
The country also lacks a specialized drug treatment facility, despite drug use being a significant problem among the youth population.

Government Efforts

The Gambian government has made efforts to increase protection measures for victims of organized crime, including victim identification and establishing a center for victims of human rights violations.
However, more needs to be done to combat corruption, money laundering, and illegal activities in the country’s natural resources sector.

Progress and Challenges

In recent years, the government has taken steps to deepen democratic governance and establish a sustainable economic regulatory capacity.
Efforts have been made to streamline the process of starting new businesses, reduce costs, and expand the social registry.

Conclusion

The Gambia is facing significant challenges related to illegal mining and fishing activities, corruption, money laundering, and organized crime. While efforts are being made by civil society organizations and the government to address these issues, more needs to be done to combat these problems effectively. It is crucial that the country strengthens its anti-money laundering measures, establishes a comprehensive witness protection program, and increases transparency in its natural resources sector to ensure sustainable economic growth and development.