ActionAid Gambia has launched a new grassroots initiative aimed at building trust between local communities and security forces, as part of wider efforts to promote peace and prevent conflict.

The organisation, through its Local Rights Programme 9 (LRP9), convened a Community Security Bantaba in the North Bank Region, bringing together police officers, soldiers, community leaders, youth representatives, and residents for a day of open dialogue.

The gathering focused on strengthening cooperation, tackling misinformation, and clarifying the roles of both citizens and security personnel in maintaining peace and public order.

“Security is a national concern and cannot be left to government institutions alone,” said Omar Trawally, a member of the local youth committee.

“Citizens must understand the challenges faced by security forces, and those forces must respect the rights of the people they protect.”

Security personnel were given the opportunity to explain their operations and respond to public concerns.

“We cannot be everywhere at once,” said Inspector Almameh E. Susoh, Regional Taskforce Commander.

“Through cooperation, we can detect and prevent crime early. These gatherings build trust and help us respond to community concerns.”

The initiative comes in response to tensions between young people, persons with disabilities, and law enforcement, particularly in rural areas where mistrust has historically run deep.

“Young people who once feared the police now see them as partners in peacebuilding,”  Saikou Darboe said.

 “We launched this programme to promote dialogue and rebuild confidence between the public and the institutions meant to protect them.”

Local residents welcomed the initiative. Youth leader Adama Nyan said the bantaba gave her and others a clearer understanding of their role in safeguarding peace.

ActionAid Gambia said. it plans to hold similar forums across the country, using dialogue as a foundation for long-term stability and cooperation.

By Adama Makasuba