The Gambia and Senegal Police forces have pledged to collaborate in fighting crimes including cracking down on cross-border drug trafficking, illegal logging and smuggling of stolen goods.

This agreement was reached during a visit by the Senegalese Inspector General of Police Mame Seydou Ndour, who led a high-powered delegate to meet his Gambian counterpart in Banjul.

Speaking during a joint press conference at the police headquarters in Banjul, Gambia’s Inspector General of Police, Seedy Muctarr Touray, welcomed his Senegalese counterpart to Banjul, and described the meeting as vital and a step in the right direction.

He proposed establishment of a ‘technical working group’ to develop bilateral agreements for implementing the proposed ideas.

For his party, IGP Mame Seydou Ndour, emphasised the significance of collaboration between the two forces in combating crimes and criminality.

 “The security of these two nations needs collaboration because those violating the laws don’t know friends. That’s why it’s vital for the two countries to collaborate to ensure that crimes and criminality are wiped out.

“Although, Gambia and Senegal have not yet encountered terrorism, we must also be vigilant and prepared for every action against terrorism, banditry, criminality, and stealing to fight off these lands.”

“While we have not yet experienced terrorism, issues like drug trafficking and stealing properties, illegal logging, and property theft need united force,” he said.

His visit came after 27 years since the last Senegalese Police chief visited Banjul.

By Adama Makasuba