By Adama Makasuba
Abdoulie Sanyang, the Minister of Interior, has dismissed allegations of increased crime in The Gambia, asserting that the country has the lowest crime rate compared to other West African nations. However, his comments have provoked widespread reactions on social media from Gambians.
“The Gambia’s crime rate is the lowest in the sub-region,” Sanyang stated while rejecting complaints about rising crime circulating online. “Perhaps social media has led people to believe that crime is very high in The Gambia, but according to our records, we have the lowest crime rate in West Africa.”
Many Gambians have expressed concerns about increased criminal activity despite the minister’s assurances. Between 2022 and 2025, the country has seen a significant increase in various crimes, including murder, homicide, gender-based violence, theft, and drug-related offenses, with at least 39 murder cases reported during this period.
