The Misfit Comes of Age!

By: Abdallah Khabib Jallow

In my books, The Gambia Police Force, particularly since the Jammeh regime, has regrettably assumed the unenviable position of the country’s foremost public adversary. It is bewildering to observe the police, whose mandate is to safeguard civilians, deviate from their responsibility by shielding corrupt public officials from scrutiny and accountability. This erodes public trust in what should be their primary institution of hope for justice, as power exploits influence to manipulate what should belong to all.

When the head of state asserts that the police work for him, a pertinent question arises: how can the same police force legitimately hold public officials accountable or even issue permits to the masses for protests against institutions administered by the president himself?

If the public perceives corruption and irregularities and desires to take to the streets to protest against these transgressions, why would the police deny them a permit without any explanation? Is the police inadvertently abetting ill-practices?

Something is evidently awry, and it appears that our nation is adrift in its identity. It is disheartening to witness our state institutions representing and favoring only a select few. The police, originally intended to be the protectors of the public, have now ventured so far as to abet corruption and embezzlement. This situation is indeed fraught with complexity.

Even in lower-leaguer nations such as Uzbekistan or Tajikistan, the police are entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding the lives and properties of the people. I reiterate, that is the core of their professional mandate.

President Barrow’s threats of re-arrest, even after individuals have been released on bail by the courts, coupled with the police executing these unlawful tactics to fulfill the president’s desires, paints a crystalline picture that our police force is systematically operating in allegiance to the president.

Since the last presidential election, the actions of the police suggest that they are working for the president rather than the state, potentially metamorphosing the police into an instrument of repression rather than a guardian of citizens’ rights. These actions profoundly challenge the foundational principles of justice and democracy and merit unequivocal condemnation.

It is imperative for the police to be reminded that their allegiance should lie with and among the average Gambians, not to suppress or deny them their rights. Just as it is the right of the masses to apply for permits, it is equally their right to be issued a permit if they meet the stipulated conditions.

Note: I am not anti-police; rather, my stance is against police corruption, brutality, and any form of unprofessional conduct.✌🏿❤️

— Salutations and respect to every dedicated police officer out there. Thank you for your service.😊