The Gambia Immigration Department (GID) has addressed growing concerns over its decision to deploy a mobile team to Mauritania to issue national ID cards to Gambian citizens residing there.
Many Gambians questioned the transparency of the move, with some suggesting the process could be abused to issue documents to non-citizens. Rights activists and citizens expressed unease on social media, pointing out that national ID cards are typically issued within a country, while passports and voter registration can be conducted abroad.
In response, the GID explained that the initiative was launched to protect Gambians in Mauritania who face serious challenges with identification and harassment from local authorities. The department said the deployment is part of a government-led effort to safeguard the rights and well-being of its citizens abroad.
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A team led by Chief Superintendent Momodou Jallow, an experienced identity management officer, was dispatched to oversee the process. The delegation also included representatives from the State Intelligence Services and the Ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs to ensure accountability and a coordinated approach.
According to the GID, this initiative follows prior media reports on the vulnerable status of Gambians living in Mauritania and the government’s commitment to address their needs after a special envoy was sent to the country.
