The wide spread dissatisfaction in the handling of governing institutions in the Gambia keep coming out to the public. This time it was Officers of the Gambia Police Force (GPF) who have complained to Gainako’s Embedded Reporter Thursday that their condition too needs some attention from the general public and the International community.
The unarmed, under trained and severely underpaid force is facing unprecedented challenges they have never encountered before in the history of the police force. In addition to numerous cases of unnecessary government charges of crimes on civil servants, ordinary civilians, unending investigation with meager resources, the Gambian police force are stretched to the breaking point. This is even made worst by the constant abuse of paramilitary forces empowered by President Jammeh and his heavy handed regime. The police force are a law enforcement force and they are much closer to civilians and deals directly with real life cases. As a result they are more uncomfortable brutalizing citizens in contrast to the military who have no training in dealing with civilians.
The most prevalent complain made by numerous officers in private conversations is the frequent criss-crossing of President Jammeh from Banjul to his native Kanilai village which is almost regarded as the new capital of Gambia. Police spend hours standing on the road waiting for President Jammeh’s irregular and often unscheduled visits to Kanilai or back to Banjul. Many overstay their shifts without overtime pay or transportation provided to get them home. Several Officers noted that it is not only disturbing but also inhumane for them to be standing on the road for long hours just to clear the way for the President without proper coverage.
”We are very tired of this long hours of standing by the road sides” said a senior officer. He stated that after spending over 30 years in the force, he has never been subjected to such inhumane treatment noting that before they only parade on the road side for a couple of hours while President Jawara travels. There was always a prior announcement for this but now, it is different as officers are forced to be on the road sides for hours without proper communication from relevant authorities.
Another officer in Serrekunda, also said Gambian people are under a real state of slavery under Jammeh saying that it is clear to all that Jammeh is a selfish and heartless leader who only use and dumped them. ”I am ready to quit the job because am content with what God gave me,” he noted. A visibly angry and disgruntled officer said he has been on the road side for more than five hours just to make sure that the roads are cleared for the President emphasizing that it is time for citizens to stand against the injustice that has been going on since the birth of the new administration.
An Inspector also added that Gambians have been facing strange and cruel treatment from this government citing the recent alleged killing of Kasim Kanyi of Lamin by the Military as a clear example. He said they are held hostage and cannot enforce the law to the letter due to many tampering and forceful arrest and detention of civilians. “Our hands are tied and we can only do so much”.
A group of female officers undercover also echoed similar remarks. They appeal to the Gambian civilian population to unite and ensure that their families are protected and not fight among themselves. “Often close family members are seen reporting each other at the police station dividing the family and breeding bad blood between love ones”. This shows how our values in the community are badly fading opined another officer. One female officer said the police cannot complain to the government about these things least they risk losing their jobs and or even being arrested. Shortly after the interview, President Jammeh was seen with his entourage at a top speed heading to Kanilai after several hours of alerting the police.
Gainako reporter was really surprised how much these officers were willing to talk. They appear to feel helpless and are only relying on outside sources in telling the country of their plight. They hope and pray that the situation changes soon as things are going from bad to worst in Gambia.