By Haruna Kuyateh
The National Council for Civic Education (NCCE), in collaboration with Catholic Relief Services (CRS), has organized structured dialogue sessions with political actors and communities in the North Bank Region, aimed at promoting peace and social cohesion ahead of the 2026 electoral cycle.
The sessions took place at the Governor’s Conference in Kerewan and were part of the HOPE Project (Harmony, Outreach, Peace, and Engagement). Ansumana Ceesay, NCCE Program Manager, highlighted the importance of the partnership, noting that the dialogue, themed “Bridging the Divide: Fostering Social Cohesion and Peace”, is a strategic initiative to address fractures in Gambian society.
“The project is designed to ensure that the ‘Smiling Coast’ not only smiles for the cameras but does so because its people are united and at peace,” Ceesay said. He emphasized that the NCCE’s mandate is to ensure every Gambian knows their rights—and, more importantly, understands their responsibility to follow due process and reject actions that threaten collective tranquility.
The ten-day dialogue sessions involved communities and political actors across all regions, targeting 550 influential voices. Ceesay described these engagements as crucial for strengthening democratic practices and promoting a peaceful electoral process. “As the 2026 electoral cycle approaches, we must return to our constitutional foundation. Section 1(2) of the 1997 Constitution reminds us that sovereignty resides with the people. Power is held in trust; it is not a weapon to be used against one’s neighbor. Elections are a test of a nation’s character, and informed citizens cannot be manipulated into violence,” he said.
Ceesay urged stakeholders to speak honestly and responsibly, noting the deepening polarization along political and ethnic lines. “Abusive language in public discourse, provocative social media posts, and the rise of political thuggery are dangerous. If we do not act now, we risk losing the very peace that defines our nation. Today is not about political competition; it is about addressing threats to our collective survival,” he added.
He called on participants to listen with open hearts and speak with honest tongues. “Political and religious leaders, your followers watch your every move. If you preach tolerance, they will practice it. If you choose dialogue over confrontation, they will follow suit. Let us reflect on values that define us: Peace, Justice, and Progress. Our collective desire for development can only be achieved on a foundation of tranquility.”
Pamela R. Jackson Camara, CRS Focal Person for the HOPE Project, commended NCCE for engaging political actors and communities on peace. She said the dialogues aim to promote inclusion, reduce political polarization, and foster constructive discussion, accountability, and mutual understanding. She emphasized that peace requires collective responsibility and civic awareness, noting CRS’s commitment to inclusion, especially for women and persons with disabilities.
Governor Lamin Saidykhan thanked CRS and NCCE for raising public awareness through the “Bridging the Divide” initiative. He stressed the importance of political tolerance and participation in consolidating peace throughout the electoral cycle. He called on citizens to be law-abiding and avoid political violence and tribal politics. “The 1997 Constitution guarantees freedom of association, and political rights must be respected. Politics comes and goes, but family relationships endure,” he said, recalling the 1981 aborted coup that caused loss of lives, livelihoods, and food insecurity.
Chief Fabala Fadia Kinteh of Lower Badibou also stressed the need for political tolerance and urged respect for individual political affiliations. He described the outreach program as important and called for wider dissemination of lessons learned to ensure that more people understand the significance of peace, regardless of political differences.
