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Supporting the Security Sector Reform (SSR) Process in The Gambia


The Gambia, which is a priority country in regard to Swiss migration interest, initiated a national SSR process in 2017. Based on 3 years of in-depth research and support to this process, in 2021 DCAF launched a new program to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Gambian security sector. Through its contribution, Switzerland aims to improve the quality of services provided to local communities by the immigration department by strengthening its management and accountability.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Gambia
Governance
Migration
Public sector policy
Migration generally (development aspects and partnerships)
Decentralisation
01.07.2021 - 30.06.2024
 CHF  2’300’000
The project in brief
Background In 2017, the government of The Gambia launched an SSR process as part of political transition. The country is a key source of irregular migration and destination/transit country for refugees and irregular migrants. Despite glaring weaknesses in ensuring security for individuals and border communities and in offering migrants protection and satisfactory services, The Gambia is unable to have an effective response because of lack of strategic planning, weak coordination amongst security institutions, weak management and poor efficiency in utilization of resources. This program aims to build capacity amongst security institutions and improve their governance in order to increase the security of the population and foster the respect of human rights. 
Objectives The overall goal of the program is that Gambian Police Force (GPF) and Gambian Immigration Department (GID) become more effective at ensuring human security at individual and community level, with due regard to international human rights standards, including gender equality
Target groups

Local communities in border regions

Migrants

Ministry of Interior

Gambian Immigration Department

Gambian Police Force
Medium-term outcomes

1. A more coordinated and collaborative approach is applied to border security and immigration management between security institutions which is underpinned by clear and gender-mainstreamed legal and policy framework.

2. Improved respect of professional standards and human rights norms, including gender equality, by GID personnel through a strengthened and gender-mainstreamed internal oversight framework.

3. Improved leadership, including support for women leaders, and performance management that addresses implicit bias within GID leading to enhanced efficiency and improved utilization of resources.
Results

Expected results:  

1.1. A concept for integrated border management is developed and operationalized 

1.2. An Act governing GID is developed

1.3. Updated gender-mainstreamed regulations, operational concepts and policies governing the operation of GID are developed in the area of border security 

2.1. GID internal oversight structures are reinforced

2.2. The normative framework governing ethics, integrity and professional standards of GID personnel is reinforced and promoted

3.1. Improved performance management within GID

3.2. Improved mainstreaming of gender within GID

3.3 Enhanced leadership and management skills with a focus on gender equality


Results from previous phases:   In the previous DCAF program in The Gambia, a comprehensive institutional and human resource assessment and subsequent donor mapping highlighted significant accountability and management deficits, thereby limiting effectiveness of the security institutions, while there are no donor focus on this area. Addressing regulatory framework deficits, building internal oversight and strengthening supervision were key recommendations of the previous phase of DCAF work.  


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Project partners Contract partner
International or foreign NGO
  • Other international or foreign NGO North


Coordination with other projects and actors

EU: supporting the SSR Process in The Gambia – strengthening the efficiency and accountability of the Gambian Police Force

GIZ: support program for training of GID

IOM: infrastructure and equipment program for GID

UNODC: training program for GID (migration)

Spain: training on border surveillance with GID
Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    2’300’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    1’320’000
  • Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SOCIETY
    GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SOCIETY
    GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SOCIETY
    Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation
    Public sector policy and administrative management
    Facilitation of orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility
    Decentralisation and support to subnational government (incl. accountability)
    Cross-cutting topics Human rights
    The project supports partner organisation improvements as a priority
    Aid Type Project and programme contribution
    Project number

    7F10782

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Last update 07.11.2022