The Gambia Police Force, in partnership with Interpol, successfully concluded a four-day training on combating human trafficking on Friday, February 23rd. The event, titled “Specialized Training on Trafficking in Human Beings,” took place at the GPF’s Credit Union Conference Hall in Kanifing.

Organized by Interpol as part of the Trafficking in Human Beings (THB) West Africa project and funded by the US Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (DoS/INL), the training aimed to enhance the capabilities of law enforcement and judiciary representatives in identifying, investigating, and prosecuting human trafficking cases.

Representatives from various institutions within The Gambia’s Law Enforcement and Judiciary Sectors attended the workshop, demonstrating a commitment to multi-sectoral collaboration. Participants were introduced to the WAPIS database, a powerful tool for enhancing cooperation among law enforcement agencies.

Speaking on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, General Abdoulie Sanyang, Commissioner Pa Alieu Jawara, Head of the National Central Bureau (NCB), confirmed the support of national authorities to international police cooperation through INTERPOL channels to combat organized crime and dissolve criminal networks operating in the region.

Other speakers included Dr. Rebecca Taylor, Chief of the Political and Economic Officer of the US Embassy, and the Head of EU Cooperation, Ms. Enrica Pellacani.

Interpol was represented by two delegations from Lyon HQ and the Abidjan Regional Bureau. Mr. Adamou Liman Yahaya, coordinator of the Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants unit, led the delegation, which included Silvia De Rosa, Focal Point for Victim Assistance, Patrice Kouassi, Criminal Intelligence Officer, Cristian Barbieri, Policy Analyst of the WAPIS Programme, and Carlos Gonzales Yepes, Country Officer for the Gambia of the WAPIS Programme.

The Gambia Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to continued collaboration with partners and stakeholders in the capacity-building of its officers to combat human trafficking effectively.