The Gambia Armed Forces has recently made changes to its Military Vehicle Check Point (VCP) located in Bwiam Village, Foni Kansala District of the West Coast Region due to several road accidents in the area, some of which were fatal.
In an official statement shared on their Facebook page, the military stated that their decision was made after carefully assessing the situation and taking into consideration the concerns raised by the community. This assessment was conducted by a team consisting of senior representatives from both the armed forces and the ECOMIG, following which they engaged with local authorities and residents of Bwiam to gain first-hand accounts and technical observations.
The review was also influenced by consultations with the Mobile Traffic Unit of the Gambia Police Force and other relevant stakeholders. These consultations revealed a recurring trend of road accidents near the checkpoint.
As a result, the military decided to reposition the checkpoint in a careful manner to minimize the risk of accidents while maintaining its effectiveness and deterrent purpose. They also stressed that all security deployments are continuously reviewed to ensure their effectiveness and alignment with the country’s best interest.
Working together with ECOMIG and other security services, the GAF remains dedicated to fulfilling its constitutional duty of protecting the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They also aim to promote a security approach that prioritizes the well-being and confidence of the people.
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