Gambian Activist Jarga Kebba Gigo Calls for Global ‘Culture of Cameras’ to Tackle Security, Hygiene, and Social Ills

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

A Gambian activist, Jarga Kebba Gigo, has issued an extensive open letter to his neighbours, journalists, and the international community, calling for a coordinated global push towards adopting security cameras as a core tool for safety, education, and social reform. The letter, which spans security concerns, moral responsibility, and practical solutions, urges communities to take ownership of public order through collective investment in surveillance technology.

Gigo describes cameras as “one of the most neglected or underappreciated blessings of the Lord in our time” and insists that they should not be seen merely as tools for policing but as instruments for “security and character uplifting.”

Call for Neighbourhood Meetings and Action Plans

Gigo’s letter proposes that the last Sunday of August be designated for community-wide meetings—referred to as “neighbourhood+ meetings”—to create action plans for installing cameras. If local authorities fail to convene such gatherings, he encourages proactive community members to organise them in secure public spaces.

He urges participants to forward the proposal to village heads, educated elders, mayors, and even heads of state, with the aim of forming a united front. The meetings, he says, should focus on education, re-education, and concrete pledges, stressing that “security and character uplifting is best seen as personal responsibility in a teamwork effort, rather than waiting or blaming governments.”

Targeting Persistent Social Problems

In the letter, Gigo identifies what he calls “age-old problems” that could be addressed with the help of cameras and stricter community enforcement:

• Open Defecation on Roads: Gigo argues for educational campaigns and public shaming where necessary, particularly when people refuse simple sanitary practices. He cites a recent example of human waste being left near a school in his neighbourhood, calling for camera footage to be used both for public awareness and legal prosecution.
• Mystic Objects on Public Roads: He warns about “scary mystics” being placed at road junctions, particularly near schools, which could frighten children and harm their well-being. He calls for 360-degree cameras with zoom features to monitor school surroundings and for community leaders and philanthropists to assist in funding installations.
• Street Sex and Public Indecency: While noting that the primary goal of cameras is not to catch such acts, Gigo insists that public awareness and education can help prevent situations that may lead to social embarrassment or harm.
• Negligent Accidents: Cameras, he says, can expose both reckless drivers and negligent guardians, helping to prevent avoidable harm to children and vulnerable individuals.

Financial Blueprint for Mass Camera Ownership

Gigo outlines a financial model for collective camera ownership, suggesting that even the poorest households should commit to a minimum annual investment—such as $100—for at least one or two 360-degree cameras. In his own neighbourhood, he estimates that 1,000 compounds could raise $25,000 collectively, which could then be supplemented by contributions from wealthier residents, NGOs, banks, and even international philanthropists.

He stresses that the aim is not to overburden individuals but to create a shared sense of responsibility, encouraging even low-income households to reallocate budgets from non-essentials such as luxury clothing, cigarettes, or excessive meat consumption.

Pressure on Manufacturers, Installers, and Governments

The activist calls for journalists to help set technical standards for cameras, noting that a 360-degree 8MP camera can cost as little as $25 in China but sells for much higher prices in African markets. He advocates for:

• Mass Education Campaigns to pressure manufacturers and importers to lower costs.
• Reduced Installation Fees through community training of local electricians and teenagers in camera setup.
• Tax Breaks on surveillance equipment, including sunglass and body cameras, for a limited period.

He also warns against “overcharging the poor” for installation, sharing his own experience of negotiating lower rates for his family and teaching a local electrician how to install cameras more affordably.

Moral and Religious Argument for Camera Culture

Quoting from the Qur’an (Chapter 61 and Chapter 103), Gigo frames his advocacy as a moral duty that transcends religion, urging Muslims, Christians, atheists, and all people of goodwill to work together. He insists that cameras are not merely about catching criminals but about fostering truth, deterring negligence, and protecting the innocent.

He also challenges wealthy individuals—particularly African millionaires and billionaires, as well as affluent Arabs—to see large-scale camera donations as an act of charity “more valuable than roads,” given the potential for uplifting community character and reducing crime.

Confronting Doubters and Resistance

Anticipating criticism, Gigo addresses various groups of sceptics—from those who believe cameras won’t work in Africa, to those who claim criminals will adapt. He argues that even in countries with strong governance, bad actors exist, and cameras help keep them accountable.

He points to global examples, including alleged misconduct in Western countries, to show that cameras are a universal necessity rather than a regional luxury.

Vision Beyond Security

Ultimately, Gigo sees the “culture of cameras” as a tool for societal transformation, capable of preventing wars, deterring corruption, and promoting cleaner, safer, and more disciplined communities. He calls on all stakeholders—from grassroots organisers to heads of state—to act without delay.

“Do not wait for journalists or authorities,” he writes. “A good president should urge buying cameras for the first months or year, and 25% or more may do so. Second year, apply smart pressures and reward systems… Third year, reasonably penalise all who reject a needed culture.”

The letter ends with a prayer for those who embrace the idea and a warning for those who oppose it, asserting that rejecting “any of the major blessings of God” is a grave mistake. Read his open letter here

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