Gambiaj.com – (DOHA, Qatar) – The Minister of Interior, Abdoulie Sanyang, has underscored The Gambia’s commitment to combating corruption at both national and international levels at the 2nd Ministerial Meeting of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Agencies of OIC Member States in Doha, Qatar.

The meeting, which convened leaders, ministers, and representatives from across the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), focused on the pervasive challenge of corruption and its impact on development and governance within the Islamic world and beyond.

Minister Sanyang began his address by expressing gratitude to Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, for hosting the high-level gathering. He also commended the OIC Secretary-General for fostering intra-OIC cooperation in tackling corruption and organized crime.

“It is no secret that corruption threatens national security, impedes economic performance, aggravates poverty, and undermines the rule of law, good governance, and democracy,” Minister Sanyang stated.

Reforms and Commitment in The Gambia

Highlighting The Gambia’s proactive stance against corruption, Minister Sanyang detailed the government’s recent reforms, including the enactment of the Gambia Anti-Corruption Act 2023. The legislation, he explained, is designed to prohibit and punish corrupt practices while promoting accountability, transparency, and financial prudence.

“The Gambia is not left behind in global efforts to combat corruption,” he said, citing the new law as a cornerstone in the country’s anti-corruption framework.

The minister also emphasized The Gambia’s adherence to international standards, including the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), which guides its efforts in ensuring transparency, enforcing anti-corruption laws, and promoting good governance.

Acknowledging the transnational nature of corruption, Minister Sanyang called for stronger collaboration among OIC member states. He advocated for mutual assistance in intelligence sharing, asset recovery, and coordinated enforcement to address cross-border corruption cases effectively.

“To build a stronger foundation for anti-corruption enforcement, The Gambia calls for greater technical assistance and cooperation among OIC member states,” he said, proposing capacity-building initiatives and knowledge-sharing as transformative measures for improving enforcement capabilities.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from member states to intensify efforts to combat corruption and uphold the principles of transparency and accountability, essential for fostering development across the Islamic world.