From 20 May to 3 June 2026, four officials from various institutions under the Ministry of Interior successfully completed a two-week seminar in China on emergency rescue and first responder capacity for selected African countries.
The program was organized by the International Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Emergency Management of the People’s Republic of China, in collaboration with relevant Chinese agencies.
The seminar featured lectures and practical sessions on critical topics, including modern emergency rescue systems, disaster prevention and mitigation strategies, first responder coordination, and the application of technology in emergency management.
During the training, participants visited key institutions such as the National Emergency Response Command Center, the China Academy of Safety Science, and a disaster simulation training base. These engagements provided valuable insights into China’s advanced emergency management systems and technologies.
The Gambian delegation included senior officers from the Gambia Fire and Rescue Service, the Prison Services, and the Ministry of Interior, alongside other relevant participants from Tanzania, South Sudan, South Africa, and Namibia.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, DSP Yaya Fanneh of the Gambia Fire & Rescue Services expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Interior and the Government of the People’s Republic of China for their continued commitment to capacitating Gambia’s internal security units with the requisite skills for better service delivery.
The seminar concluded with the awarding of certificates to all participants in recognition of their successful completion of the program.
Upon their return to The Gambia, the officials paid a courtesy visit to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior and presented their certificates. Images from the visit are attached below this post.
This initiative underscores the Ministry of Interior’s commitment to continuously enhancing the capacity building of its staff members and fostering international cooperation to strengthen emergency response systems nationwide, in line with the National Security Sector Reform agenda.
