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Violence on increase?

We are coming to stay with some friends who have a house in Kololi and they tell me that the area has become much more unsafe than in past years. In fact, she was attacked in broad daylight and robbed last week on the way back from the beach. Of course, we always make sure that we do not go out alone after dark (I did have my bag stolen 2 years ago but that was at night and we were by ourselves)but it makes me rather wary.

Re: Violence on increase?

Hi Katie, sorry to hear about your friend.

GTS Kololi as you might imagine is in Kololi, less than 1/2 a mile from the main Senegambia crossroads.

People do get bags snatched & mobile phones snatched etc but generally on the quieter back roads that have few residental properties finished & occupied and especially after dusk.

However, I still think it is far safer than even our little market town of Whitchurch Shropshire especially at night !!

If in doubt take a taxi - GTS members can prearrange a Gambian member of staff to escort them home for a small charge or meet them at their lodge to escort them into Senegambia at night and take them home later.

Never wear conspicuous gold or jewellery and have a cheap mobile to take out with you, a £10 job that will take a Gambian sim card,is ideal for yexting home to the UK and far cheaper than phone calls, if you make a special friend they will be delighted to be given the phone when you leave or donate it to GTS for our teaching staff to use.

I do think opportunist theft is on the increase but with sensible precautions Gambia still feels very safe.

Francis
GTS & GTS Kololi