Lamin Darboe, the chief of Kombo south has met with President Adama Barrow alongside other district chiefs drawn from all over the Gambia. According to President Barrow, the meeting was held at the request of the traditional chiefs to discuss about their work and how they can collaborate with the central government to achieve the development aspirations of the President.

“scores of speakers (among the chiefs) explained that they’re at the Presidency to renew allegiance and commitment to the vision and development agenda of the Barrow government, vowing to contribute their quota to make sure that the National Development Plan (2018-2021) is a success for all”

According to a communique released by the Office of the President, the visiting chiefs raised the following issues, among others:

1. The revival of the periodic “Mansa bengo” - the annual retreat of districts chiefs.

2. Replacement of the position of Paramount Chief

3. Lack of mobility is a constraint to meet their official and social responsibilities and requested the support of the government to ease it.

4. They expressed gratitude to the president and his government for having the foresight to subside the cost of fertiliser and seeds for local farmers. They requested assistance in acquiring more agricultural and farming equipment.

5. They called for the support of the government to establish, where absent, and strengthen the Office of District Chief in all administrative districts in the country.

6. On Community Policing and border security, they promised to continue working with security services to reinforce community policing, particularly in border communities, while highlighting the need for a more robust and reinforced vigilance along the frontier.

7. They expressed the desire to be part of the administrative mechanisms and processes of the land commission.

President Adama Barrow in response to the issues raised by traditional Chiefs promised to restore the dignity, respect and the independence attached to the offices of District Chiefs. He also reminded the chiefs about their responsibility to peace and cultural heritage of their communities.