We
are deeply concerned about the ongoing political impasse in The Gambia,
following the result of the December 1, 2016 presidential elections.
The
organization notes that the impasse is impacting on all levels and across all
sectors of society and undermining the democratic and development gains in The
Gambia.
An
easily accessible election is held throughout the country. The Independent
Electoral Commission (IEC) of The Gambia declared a winner in the name of Mr
Adama Barrow (Coalition candidate). The out-going President Yahya Jammeh
conceded defeat on State media on the same day.
Seven
days after acknowledging defeat the incumbent went on State media and void the
elections, calling for creation of a new electoral commission and holding of
new elections.
The
organization regrets that the measures taken by the out-going President Yahya
Jammeh is adversely contributing to the deteriorating condition of children in
The Gambia; totally disregarding the unique and privileged position of the
child in African society.
The
organization is mindful that The Republic of The Gambia is signatory to the
African Children Charter, which requires State party to adhere to particular
care with regard to the child’s health, physical, mental, and legal protection
in condition of freedom, dignity, security and peace.
The
organization re-calls that the Republic of The Gambia is signatory also to the
African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (2007/2012), which
requires adherence among other things “to supremacy of the Constitution in all
political organizations of the State” as well as the ECOWAS Protocol on
Democracy and Good Governance Supplementary to the Protocol relating to the
Mechanism for Conflict Resolution, Peace-Keeping and Security.
The
organization wishes to call on the out-going President Yahya Jammeh to respect
the articulated will of the Gambian people. The organization further urges
President Jammeh to uphold the best interest of the child; values of peace and
to keep to all relevant provisions of the Gambia Constitution as well as
regional and international child rights and governance commitments of The
Gambia and guarantees peaceful transfer of power to President elect Mr Adama
Barrow.
Michael
Oko-Davies
CEO/Founder
