The Ministry of Interior is a huge Stumbling Block to Immigration Department’s Reform and Progress in every aspect of its operations. The progression and reform of the Gambia Immigration Department are being severely hindered by the Ministry of Interior’s inaction, which continues to stall critical developments.
A pressing need for the GID is the passage of the Draft Immigration Bill, an essential instrument for aligning GID operations with current immigration realities and modern migration patterns.
Shockingly, this vital draft bill was submitted to the Ministry of Interior nearly a year ago, yet no substantive action has been taken.
Despite repeated efforts by the GID to move the process forward, including the submission of a comprehensive position paper and a draft Cabinet paper to assist the Honorable Minister, Abdoulie Sanyang, no meaningful progress has been achieved.
Abdoulie Sanyang has been accused of being a corrupt individual who allegedly demands kickbacks or personal favors in exchange for facilitating government contracts, police contracts, and other deals.
Evidence has reportedly been uncovered in procurement processes and procedures related to government contracts, police contracts, and questionable transactions that benefit him, particularly contracts involving passports and National ID cards, which are often awarded to either his associates, businesses, family members, or friends, allowing him to gain significant financial advantages before advancing files to the next level.
The police and procurement departments of both the Police and the state are allegedly aware of these allegations. Therefore, I request that Abdoulie Sanyang, the Honorable Minister of Interior, be investigated for promoting corruption, dereliction of duties, and abuse of office.
The question must be asked: Is the Minister unwilling to present this important piece of legislation to the appropriate levels of government, or is there simply a lack of will? Either scenario is deeply troubling, especially considering that Hon. Abdoulie Sanyang is a trained barrister and should fully understand that neglecting one’s official duties, particularly in matters of national importance, can constitute a punishable offense under the law. The failure to act on the Draft Immigration Bill undermines national security and governance, reflecting poorly on the leadership of the Ministry of Interior.
The GID, an operational and technical agency, can not fully perform its role without an updated legal framework that reflects the realities of today’s migration challenges. It is high time the Ministry of Interior steps up, fulfills its responsibilities, and acts decisively in the national interest. Continued negligence will only serve to delay the much-needed reforms that the Gambian immigration system desperately needs.
