Ahmed Talib Bensouda, mayor of Kanifing Municipal Council, has expressed concern about the rise in violent crimes, while calling on the government to step up actions to curb insecurity in the country.

He said: “Gambians no longer feel safe on a daily basis. We hear about armed robberies, stabbings, domestic disputes, gun violence. This is something that is not of Gambia nature.

“And again, we challenge the Gambia government to ensure that Gambia goes back to what it was, the Smiling Coast where people wake up every day safe, where their children can go out to play without second thoughts, where you can leave your property and have no fear of it being stolen.”  

Meanwhile, he highlighted the plight of Gambian youth while adding that high unemployment is pushing youths to take the ‘dangerous backway’ to Europe.

Mayor Bensouda urged the government to implement programmes that create job opportunities and address the root causes of youth migration.

“Majority, nearly 70% of people in our country, are below the age of 35 years. However, our youths feel destitute. The country is not producing enough jobs. Many leave on a dangerous journey for greener pastures.

“Many perish on the way, and those who make it become destitute and lose their dignity in the streets of Europe on a daily basis. We also see flights coming at midnight, youths are coming back deported, embarrassed and come back to nothing. This is something that is of great concern. And we again challenge the Gambia government to ensure that this issue is addressed,” he added.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba