The
newly formed movement Young Citizens for Development (YC4D) and the National
Youth Council (NYC) on Wednesday held a conference to discuss The Gambia’s
political impasse.
It
follows outgoing president Yahya Jammeh’s rejection of the December 1 presidential
election and his most recent vow to not step-down when his term expires on
January 19.
The
event held at the Faculty of Law at the University of The Gambia (UTG) is meant
to discuss the role young Gambians can play in the transition and reconciliation
process and to make their position on the current political crisis known.
Dr.
Isamaila Ceesay, a Senior Lecturer on Politics at the UTG and member of YC4D
said the Wednesday’s gathering is based on one premise, local solutions to
local problems.
“We
have seen efforts by international organisations like ECOWAS sent delegates to
come and put some sense into our obstinate ex-president Yahya Jammeh,” he said.
“But I think that is not enough because whatever the outcome of this political
crisis, it is going to affect young people more.”
Dr
Ceesay said young Gambians need a Gambia that can kind of nurture their
potentials. He said it seems like for the past 22 years many young Gambians
could not really fulfill their real potentials.
Lamin
Darboe, Executive Director of NYC, said it is critical for the young to examine
their role in the peaceful and successful transition and national
reconciliation to “make our country better and greater again.”
“We
the young people, who do not only possess invisible, hidden but also visible
power, will never, ever compromise the peace, security of this country,” he
said.
Salif
Taal of the activist movement #GambiaHasDecided, said the hashtag (#) is a
civil society initiative by diverse Gambians based in The Gambia. It came about
after “ex-president Yahya Jammeh’s attempt to annul the results,” he said.
Taal
40, a lawyer, said he voted for the first time during this year’s election
because he, like many Gambians, wanted change.
He
said the hashtag is meant to ensure Gambian voices are heard loud and clear.
“We are saying no to the attempt to thwart our votes, no to the attempt to
subvert our constitution…,” he said.
Muhammed
Lamin Dibba of YC4C, said: “We want great prospects for the future [and] as
young people we must act on behalf of justice and peace. We must develop the
depth of spirit from great heights of hopes and determination.”
Panel
discussions at the youth conference were centered on the topics: to what extent
can the current political crisis affect young people; the position of young
people in the current political crisis; and the role that young people can play
in the transition and the subsequent reconciliation process.
Youth
organisations including Legacy Gambia, Friendship Zone, YALI Alumni, National
Federation of Gambian UNESCO Clubs, American International University, Girls
Agenda, Blood Donation Sukuta, Karantaba Youth Development Association, Young
People in the Media, Gambia Music Association, The Block Entertainment, and
ACTIVISTA participated in the event.
