Mama Kandeh, leader of the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), has criticised the Barrow administration for failing to address the rising crime wave in the country.

Speaking at a press conference, Kandeh expressed concern that The Gambia, once celebrated as the “Smiling Coast of Africa”, is now facing a surge in violence and insecurity.

“We’ve seen an alarming increase in violent crimes recently. Murders and assaults are becoming all too common, and armed robberies have made it unsafe for people in their own homes or even just walking down the street,” Kandeh said.

He pointed to youth unemployment and the spread of drugs as key factors contributing to the breakdown of social order, adding that the government’s failure to address these issues has left many Gambians vulnerable.

While he commended the efforts of the police, Kandeh noted that they remain under-resourced, making it difficult to effectively tackle crime.

“The government has failed to act decisively on these urgent problems,” he said. “Corruption has drained away resources that could have been used to improve security and provide opportunities for young people.”

Kandeh also laid out a number of proposals from his party to combat the crime wave. These include creating a border control unit to monitor entry points, introducing advanced surveillance systems like drones and smart technologies, and installing CCTV cameras in high-crime areas and major urban centres.

He called for better pay and more training for security personnel to enhance law enforcement’s ability to protect citizens.

By Adama Makasuba