From Harmony to Hostility: The Gambia’s Struggle with Illegal Firearms
By Fatoumata Jaiteh
The Gambia has long been known for its peaceful nature and tightly knit communities, where villages and cities have felt like safe havens. However, beneath this calm exterior lies a growing public concern over the spread of illegal firearms.
In recent years, The Gambia has witnessed a troubling rise in gun violence, raising alarms about the unchecked proliferation of firearms across the country. These weapons are increasingly falling into the hands of both criminals and ordinary civilians, heightening the risk of violent incidents. The surge in firearm-related robberies is a stark indicator of this worrying trend.
The country’s once peaceful atmosphere began to shift with the influx of illicit weapons, particularly after former dictator Yahya Jammeh stepped down. This created new opportunities for both criminal activity and personal violence. As gun-related incidents increased, so did public fear. Neighbours who once lived in harmony now find themselves on edge, uncertain about who might be armed or what could trigger a violent confrontation. Firearms are no longer confined to criminals; many ordinary citizens now possess guns, fearing for their safety in an environment where even minor disputes can escalate dangerously.
Guns displayed by Gambia Police Force © GPF
A recent example of this growing concern occurred on 10th March 2025, when the Gambia Police Force (GPF) announced the conviction of Rickey Usumbura, a 61-year-old U.S. citizen. Usumbura was sentenced to either a fine of D120,000 or 10 years in prison for possessing an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. According to the police, he pleaded guilty after narcotics agents arrested his son for cannabis possession during a search of their residence in Sifoe. The search uncovered a Brazilian-made Taurus pistol, two magazines, and 82 rounds of live ammunition.
Earlier, in February 2025, the GPF reported a series of robberies, including an armed attack on the EL Hella shop on Hegan Street in Banjul. The victim recounted how the robbers held him at gunpoint before fleeing with D1,245,000 and 1,650,000 CFA. The police later apprehended the suspects, recovering firearms and other incriminating evidence.
El Hella Guns © GPF
On 12th February 2025, the GPF held a press briefing at the Anti-Crime Unit headquarters in Banjulunding, where they presented key suspects involved in violent armed robberies and break-ins across the Greater Banjul area.
The GPF has reiterated its firm stance against the possession of illicit firearms, warning that offenders will face severe legal consequences. As The Gambia grapples with the alarming rise in gun-related crimes, one pressing question remains: Will civilian firearm possession become the new normal in the country’s future?
