By: Binta Jaiteh
The Minister of Youth and Sports has echoed President Adama Barrow commitment in dialogue with youth as well provide friendly space for them in the national development.
Honorable Bakary Badjie made this remarks at the on-going two-day National Youth Dialogue on Peaceful Campaigns and Elections in The Gambia holding in Kololi.
Speaking at the forum, Badjie said as they gathered together to celebrate the 20 years of existence of the National Youth Council (NYC), the government of The Gambia has engaged partners and secured commitments to review the NYC Act to ensure the concerns and needs of the young people adequately address now and in the future.
He reminded the gathering of the importance of youth engagement in peace pre, during, and post elections, as well as political participation, “it is important in the democratic consolidation process and ensuring everlasting peace in the Gambia.”
Honorable Badjie noted that “Elections in many Africa countries including the Gambia have been marred by violence and through the popular stereotypes depict youth as both perpetrators and victims to the conflict this trend poses a serious threat to peace and security of the country.”
The Gambia as a multi-party system nation, he disclosed, the political landscape is becoming tighter, that if the difference political ideologies are not managed well it could have the potential gain in the country’s democratic system.
Ousman Fatty, Chairman for the National Youth Council said the two-day forum would support to consolidate peace, democracy, and good governance in The Gambia.
He therefore urged the participants to make the best use of the forum because “togetherness and unity the peaceful and a non-violent election is possible in The Gambia.”
Alieu Momarr Njai, Chairman for the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) said if elections go well, the country can continue towards democracy, peace, and development, but on the contrary the country’s democracy would be undermined. He noted that this can lead to conflict and bad governance.
He called on the youth folk to participate in the electoral process, saying “Youth have to be engaged positively. They have to take or occupy key positions in the political parties and civil society organizations. There has to be an open and constant dialogue with youth and sharing vital information with them should be a priority.”
Alhagie Jarju, acting director for the NYC assured that the youth governing body would work collectively with partners to enlighten the youth on the electoral process so that youth are not involved in any form of electoral violence.
Claude Kondor, political advisor for ECOWAS commended the NYC for their determination to dialogue with youth ahead of election. He assured that ECOWAS would continue to support NYC and other institutions to dialogue and equip the youth with information on peaceful elections.
