AU, ECOWAS launch National Peace Campaign, dialogue in the Gambia

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has, in collaboration with the African Union (AU)’s African Governance Architecture (AGA), has launched the National Peace Campaign and Dialogue on Democratic Reforms and Youth Participation in the Political Processes in The Gambia.

At the launch, the President of ECOWAS Commission, Jean-Claude Brou stated: “In the past, the youth have been used as tools and being manipulated by conflict entrepreneurs to achieve selfish goals. Today, it is gratifying to note that the youth are engaged in decision-making processes that affect their lives. Remember that your destiny lies in your hands. So make good use of the opportunity.

“As ECOWAS, we share the conviction that now is the time to invest in the people, particularly the youth, the people-centred investment for development, so that they can become agents of political and social stability.”

His statement, which was delivered by the ECOWAS Resident Representative, Mrs. Vabah Gayflor, lauded the initiative as one in consonance with the priorities of the country’s National Development Plan, the AU Agenda 2063, and the ECOWAS Vision 2050.

The peace campaign aims at creating an open and collaborative space for the youth to be part of the political processes as well as the ongoing reforms and peace processes in the country. It is also part of preventive diplomacy in support of a peaceful presidential and legislative elections in the country scheduled for December 4, 2021 and 2022 respectively.

It focuses, among others, on strategic issues meant for increased awareness of the youth on the ongoing reforms, enhancing the understanding of the role of the youth in the democratic governance processes.

The Acting Head of the AGA-APSA Secretariat, Amb. Salah Hammad, spoke in similar vein: “As The Gambia goes through elections this year, this particular call for national dialogue and launch of a peace campaign is ideal.

“This dialogue and campaign will bring this youthful nation to embrace its differences, become one and support this important national exercise as a testament of the growing democratic space.”

He emphasised the need for increased investment in the youth and their meaningful engagement as leaders for peace and partners for change.

The campaign is an outcome of the multi-stakeholder assessment mission led by AGA, in partnership with ECOWAS, Democracy Elections Assistance Unit (DEAU) and African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR), in August 2019.

The mission’s findings elaborated on the government’s commendable efforts and identified gaps, including the need to be addressed to support the meaningful engagement of the youth in electoral and political processes.

These findings paved the way for strategic engagement and support enumerated on the Joint Action of AGA –ECOWAS, DEAU with the Ministry of Youth and Sports. The action plan was meant to also identify resources, experiences and capacity that could potentially address impediments for youth to exercise their full potential.