The Interior Minister of The Gambia, Abdoulie Sanyang has rejected claims that foreigners are the main perpetrators of crime in the country. He cited official law enforcement and prison statistics which indicate that most criminal offenses in The Gambia are committed by Gambians.
Speaking on growing public concerns, Sanyang told GRTS Radio in an interview that statistics do not support perceptions that immigration is linked to rising crime rates.
According to the minister, prison records and police data indicate that Gambians make up the overwhelming majority of inmates and suspects involved in criminal activities, including drug-related offenses.
“Ninety percent of our prisoners are Gambians. Even if you look at our drug-related cases every day, 97% involve Gambians. You will find only one, two, or three foreigners weekly because we have a database and weekly reporting,” Sanyang said.
The minister cautioned against blaming foreigners for the country’s security challenges, emphasizing that The Gambia’s tradition of welcoming people from different backgrounds should not be viewed as a threat to public safety.
“So what people are saying is that foreigners are many here, that’s why they do this. No, they are Gambians. And Gambia is a country because of our welcoming everybody who comes here,” he stated.
Addressing concerns over armed robberies, Sanyang maintained that most such crimes are committed by Gambian nationals, often involving young people. He noted that criminal activities such as armed robbery are not unique to The Gambia and occur across the region.
“Most of the time, even the armed robberies happening in this country are committed by Gambian boys. Sometimes, very young boys. So the idea that foreigners coming to the country is the reason why crime is high? No,” he said.
The minister also commented on recent murder cases, describing many of them as domestic disputes or personal conflicts that arise in private settings and are difficult for law enforcement agencies to predict or prevent.
“Murder cases that are happening are domestic cases. You go with your boyfriend to a lodge; you have a problem with him there, so what can the police do about that? You are brewing attaya with your boys at your gate; they fight and stab each other. What can the police do about that?” he asked.
Responding to criticism regarding police visibility, Sanyang defended the performance of the Gambia Police Force, saying officers are deployed around the clock across the country to maintain law and order.
“Police are patrolling every day, 24/7. They have 80% of their personnel in the streets. Some don’t wear uniforms, traffic police officers, and others at the station; maybe you went to a place without seeing a police officer, but someone somewhere is seeing a police officer somewhere,” he said.
Drawing on his experience as a former Inspector General of Police, Sanyang urged the public to appreciate the challenges faced by security personnel in safeguarding the country.
“I was a police officer, and I was heading the police; that’s why when you say something to them, I know the difficulties they take to make this country safe,” he added.
The minister’s remarks come amid ongoing public debate over crime trends, public safety, and immigration. While concerns about security remain high among some sections of the population, Sanyang maintained that official data points overwhelmingly to Gambians as the principal offenders and called for discussions on crime to be guided by facts rather than perceptions.
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