By Binta Jaiteh
Speaker of the National Youth Parliament (NYP), Jabou Sisaho, has called for political tolerance, democratic participation, electoral integrity and accountability ahead of 2026 presidential election.
Speaking during a three-day NYP session at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre on Thursday, Sisaho called for peaceful elections as The Gambia prepares for an important stage in its democratic development.
“In a few months, Gambians will once again exercise their constitutional right to choose their leader through democratic elections. Young people remain central to this process,” she said.
Sisaho stated that decisions that would shape the country’s future would largely affect the younger generation, adding that this year’s sitting placed particular emphasis on democratic participation, electoral integrity and peaceful elections.
She also called for greater institutional support for youth-led organizations, noting that many continue to face challenges related to resources, operational support and sustainable funding.
Sisaho said many youth organisations remained dependent on short-term projects without adequate institutional support to ensure long-term growth and impact.
“The National Youth Parliament believes that true youth empowerment requires more than funding activities,” she said, adding that the issue had emerged strongly during consultations and would be reflected in the National Youth Manifesto.
The NYP Speaker identified youth unemployment as one of the most pressing challenges facing the younger generation, saying it continued to contribute to irregular migration.
She also highlighted the rising cost of living, which she said was placing increasing pressure on households, as well as barriers limiting women’s full participation in political processes.
Meanwhile, Deputy Head of Mission and Chargé d’Affaires of the European Union Delegation to The Gambia, Raphaël Brigandi, highlighted the EU’s support for youth development in the country.
“Through the EU YEP project, we have supported thousands of jobs and training and economic opportunities for youth,” Brigandi said.
He said the EU was also supporting the tourism sector and would place greater emphasis on the creative industries, in cooperation with the Gambian Government and United Nations partners.
Brigandi reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to working with the government to address challenges facing young people in The Gambia.
During the three-day session, NYP members are expected to review findings from consultations and translate them into national outcomes, including the National Youth Manifesto 2026, National Youth Declaration 2026, parliamentary resolutions and recommendations.