National Assembly Resumes Work, Ratifies Opening DCAF Office in Banjul

The Gambia’s National Assembly has resumed sittings with a first extraordinary session for the 2021 Legislative year. It started with deputies discussing issues and challenges facing their various constituencies and general issues affecting the socio-economic development of the country, “The Chronicle” has learnt.

The first item tabled before Gambian parliamentarians by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Dr Mamadou Tangara is a motion for the ratification of an agreement signed between the Government of The Gambia and the Geneva Center for Security Sector reform (DCAF). This process paved the way for the establishment of the DCAF office in The Gambia.

In tabling the motion, the minister assured deputies that the establishment of DCAF – Geneva for Security Sector Governance office – would strengthen Gambia’s sovereignty and also enhance the on-going Security Sector Reform.

Following the routine scrutiny of the motion, deputies unanimously ratified the agreement and thanked the Foreign Minister for the initiative. The agreement, they added, “would fasten and consolidate the Security Sector Reform in the country”.

DCAF works towards strengthening the security of states and people, within a framework of democratic governance, the rule of law and respect for human rights.

The other issue discussed on Monday was the establishment of “Gambia-Serbia parliamentary friendship”. The motion was tabled by the Majority Leader and Representative of Kombo South Constituency, Hon. Kebba K. Barrow. He said that The Gambia shared a lot with the Republic of Serbia, in terms of trade and the bilateral relationship. “With the establishment of strong ties with Serbia, it will help the two countries to strengthen their mutual trust and trade cooperation.”

Hon. Ndey Yassin Secka, the Nominated member added that The Gambia can learn a lot from Serbia, in terms of policies and in the area of trade. “At the end of the day, what we want for our country should be the same thing we should want for Serbia.”