The Nyang-Sanneh Institute for Social Research and Justice has called for the enhancement of the security of forex bureaus, safety of employees, maintenance of internal accountability and justice for violent crimes.
The body made these and other demands in an open letter addressed to stakeholders such as the Association of Licensed Foreign Exchange Bureau (ALFOB), Gambia Police Force (GPF), Department of Labor, Ministry of Interior, National Assembly of The Gambia, Office of the President and the Gambian populace broadly. Its dispatch goes by the title ‘Lives on the Line’.
The research and advocacy body unwaveringly condemns all acts of violence against individuals and their properties, emphasising that the protection of life and the preservation of human dignity must remain supreme in any functioning society.
It notes that the recent violent attacks on properties and the lives of the Gambian people have created a climate of fear and uncertainty, one where many people now live in constant doubt and fear, not only across the streets but even within the confines of their homes.
“We remember with profound sadness the brutal murder of Ms Fatoumatta Kargbo, a forex bureau employee at HM Bureau de Change, who was killed in her workplace at Westfield on Friday, 19th January 2024,” the statement recalls. “We also recall the tragic death of Ms Isatou Fatty, a 21-year-old forex bureau employee at Heewal Bureau de Change who was also murdered at her work vicinity on Saturday 20 December 2025.
“Most recently, on Tuesday, 10th February 2026, there were reports of an attempted armed robbery at a forex bureau in Manjai that nearly claimed the life of an innocent woman who sustained injuries before members of the public intervened. These incidents and other violent attacks happening in this country remain stark reminders of the vulnerability faced by ordinary citizens, particularly women, amongst the most vulnerable in our society.”
NSI observes with serious concern that many forex bureaus across The Gambia operate in a tiny room, often not larger than a public restroom, without adequate security presence, emergency escape routes, surveillance systems, proper structural protections. It further states that employees, particularly women, are prone to harm with wages that can barely sustain their livelihood.
Thus, it makes certain demands, unequivocally calling for actions. The research and advocacy body demands that trained security personnel be stationed at every bureau nationwide, installation of surveillance cameras and systems, improvement of physical infrastructures for emergency exits, a review of occupational safety standards and employee protection, and intensification of preventive and protective security measures.
It has also called for the restoration of public confidence in national security structures, ensuring nationwide security audits on high-risk commercial ventures, securing national borders against foreign criminals, ensuring all perpetrators of violent crimes are swiftly brought to justice, and upholding accountability and transparency.
Further, it iterates that public safety is a collective responsibility, and that no Gambian should live in fear of going to school, to work or walking within their community or in their homes.
It extends its deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of all victims and prays for peace, stability and the continued safety of every Gambian, from the highest office of the Presidency to the most vulnerable members of society.
“We reaffirm our commitment to advocacy, dialogue, peace building, knowledge generation, evidence-driven research in pursuit of justice, security and the protection of human dignity in The Gambia,” it concludes.
