allAfrica.com: Gambia: A Cause for Concern (Page 1 of 1)

The front pages of newspapers in The Gambia these days are increasingly becoming commonplaces for stories that unleash shredding displeasure.

The frequency of reported murder crimes, if truth should be told, calls for urgent attention, especially from those constitutionally entrusted to protect life and property.

The other day, it was in Berending that some beastly human being hacked a helpless old mama to death; and just few weeks after, as if Gambians had not had enough, a similar act of barbarity occurred. This time it is further inland, in the village of Kuntaur, where an Imam was killed in a most grueling of manners. According to reports, all these deaths happened in some obscure circumstances.

It is not the nature of obscurity surrounding these mishaps that arouses our concern; its far from that. It is a fact that these incidents happen so frequently. But, more importantly, it is that they are happening in this Gambia of ours, a country that has made name for itself globally for its enviable culture of serenity and unimaginable hospitality.

Some of our local readers may have derived some level of delight from occasional complementary remarks by outsiders about the peaceful nature of our country. This only reinforces the fact that the name, the 'Smiling Coast of Africa', did not just come spontaneously; the country, thanks to its people, earned it truly.

But unfortunately, this peace we have learned to cherish is under threat. As such, it is the duty of all to nurture and defend it. When it comes to the security of the nation, every Gambian should regard themselves as police of some sort. Whether The Gambia remains a peaceful place or not, it is not only for a section of society; it is for all of us. In the same vein, it is incumbent upon all to safeguard the tradition of peace and security we know in this country.

However, it's worth mentioning for all to understand that the Gambia Police Force cannot do this all by itself; it needs the full support of the masses. But, of course, the degree of collaboration they get depends on their level of readiness to share information with key institutions. The media comes into focus here. We must, at this juncture, welcome and congratulate Ensa Badjie, the newly appointed police boss, for the trust and confidence he has earned himself, which has warranted his ascension to this level. It is suffice to note that his appointment is rooted from the level of quality of service he has been rendering to the nation. It is however worth mentioning that there is absolutely no room for complacency. The press needs his reciprocal support if we are to make the difference. IGP Badjie's success depends, to a great extent, on a cordial relationship with members of the press. Unnecessarily suppressing information that is worth releasing foments dangerous speculations, especially from the enemy press.

We do hope that Badjie's appointment will mark the beginning of a renewed vigor against crime in this country.

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