As
part of its efforts to promote peace and social cohesion in the Upper River
Region (URR), Beakanyang on Saturday convened the first ever Wuli West Peace
Conference/Bantaba at Nyakoi Madina.
The
forum brought together over 100 participants, including traditional leaders,
local political leaders, youth and women leaders from across the district.
In
his welcome remarks, the Executive Director of Beakanyang Nfamara Jawneh
thanked participants for attending the conference.
According
to Jawneh, it has come to the attention of his office that since the change of
government in 2016, communal conflicts have surged in the region. “We have
realized that conflicts related to politics, caste system, animal encroachment
into farmlands have all increased in the region over the years. We cannot
continue to live in such an unfortunate situation as a region,” he noted.
He
said that was why they have also launched a weekly radio program at Radio Basse
called Peace Hour, to promote political tolerance and pluralism in the region.
He
said the radio programme hosts National Assembly Members from the region and
members of Inter-party Youth Committee to dialogue with the people on the
importance of maintaining social cohesion and harmony.
He
reaffirmed his organisation’s commitment in promoting peace in the country
especially in the Upper River Region where they are mainly focus.
He
disclosed that the objective of the Bantaba was to provide a platform for
dialogue among the people of the district and to identify the causes of
conflict and map out strategies to mitigate such problems. “It’s our hope that
at the end of this forum, you will identify the main causes of political
intolerance, conflicts and other factors undermining peace in your communities
and also provide possible solutions to such problem,” he added.
Seedia
Jatta, National Assembly member for Wuli West urged participants and the people
of the area in general to put aside their various differences and give peace
chance to prevail.
“Politics
should not divide people as it’s meant to provide people the opportunity to
provide solutions to their development needs and aspirations,” he said.
Board
Chairman of Beakanyang Yahya Sumareh thanked the International Republican
Institute for supporting the convening of the forum.
Momodou
Jallow, a representative of the Chief of Wuli West said the forum was the first
of its kind in the district, hailed the organizers for the foresight.
In
his opening remarks on behalf of the URR Governor, Mbemba Jabby, Alkalo of
Taibatou applauded Beakanyang for organizing such an important forum in the
district.
According
to him, there are many problems in the district, most of which are politically
related and urged participants to use the opportunity of the conference to
resolve their misunderstandings.
He
told the participants to take the forum seriously and to share the knowledge
with other members of their communities.
Mr
Jabby lamented that there cannot be any sustainable development in the area in
the absence of peace and unity among the residents.
