Gambia Police Hail Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency Support as Major Boost for International Affairs Unit

Written by: Alieu Jallow

The Gambia Police Force (GPF) has hailed a donation from the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) as a significant boost to the operations of its newly established International Affairs Unit.

The support, which includes desktop computers, printers, office chairs, an executive desk and six workstations, was officially handed over on Thursday, 18 June 2026, during a ceremony attended by senior police officers, diplomats and representatives of Turkish institutions in The Gambia.

The donation forms part of the longstanding partnership between the Republic of Türkiye and the Republic of The Gambia and reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional capacity and public service delivery.

Speaking at the ceremony, Commissioner Famara Jobarteh, Head of the International Affairs Unit, said the donation stemmed from discussions he held with TIKA Director Ali Karim shortly after assuming office.

According to Commissioner Jobarteh, Karim pledged support during a courtesy visit, a commitment that has now materialised through the provision of essential office equipment.

“We thank TIKA because this is not the first time the agency has extended such generous support and goodwill to The Gambia Police Force,” Commissioner Jobarteh said, expressing appreciation to the Government and people of Türkiye.

TIKA Director Ali Karim highlighted the strategic role of the International Affairs Unit in advancing security cooperation, training opportunities and institutional partnerships between Türkiye and The Gambia.

He said the project would improve the unit’s working environment, strengthen its technical capacity and enhance overall effectiveness.

“We believe this support will further strengthen the longstanding friendship and cooperation between our two countries,” Karim stated.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to The Gambia, H.E. Fahri Türker Oba, commended the professionalism of the Gambia Police Force and praised the performance of Gambian officers both at home and abroad.

“I have seen many bright and highly skilled officers trained for different purposes, some in my country and others serving international organisations and United Nations missions. Their professionalism has always impressed me,” Ambassador Oba said.

Delivering remarks on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Ebrima Bah described the donation as a timely intervention that will help address operational challenges within the unit.

He noted that providing officers with adequate office equipment and furniture would improve productivity, boost morale and enhance service delivery.

“This donation will directly enhance administrative operations. It means officers can spend less time dealing with logistical constraints and more time serving the public,” AIG Bah said.

He also urged beneficiaries to take proper care of the donated assets, noting that effective maintenance would support efficient record-keeping, timely case processing and improved public service delivery.

The donation marks another step in the growing partnership between Türkiye and The Gambia and is expected to strengthen the capacity of the International Affairs Unit as it advances its mandate of promoting international cooperation and coordination within the Gambia Police Force.