#Article (Archive)

Lawmakers commend ECOWAS peaceful mediation process

Jan 17, 2017, 10:51 AM | Article By: Kaddijatou Jawo

Gambian lawmakers on Monday convened an extraordinary session, and commended and expressed appreciation of the “good efforts” of the Authority of Heads of States and Government of ECOWAS for the peaceful settlement of the post-election impasse in The Gambia.

The motion was moved by the Majority Leader and National Assembly Member for Serrekunda East, Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, yesterday at the National Assembly.

He reiterated that The Gambia is a sovereign and an independent state, and cited the constitutional provision that “the sovereignty of The Gambia resides in the people of The Gambia, from whom all organs of government derive their authority and in whose name and for whose welfare and prosperity the powers of the Government are to be exercised,” in accordance with the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia.

The majority leader added that every citizen of The Gambia of full age and capacity shall have the right, without reasonable restrictions to vote and stand for elections at genuine periodic elections for public office, which elections shall be by universal and equal suffrage and be held by secret ballot.

He further called on the ECOWAS Authority to continue respecting and protecting the sovereignty and independence of The Gambia, and in maintaining its commitment to the peaceful resolution of the current post-election impasse within the confines of the Constitution and other laws of The Gambia.

“We appreciate and salute the ECOWAS’ on-going commitments to the peaceful resolution of our post-election impasse within the confines of the Constitution and other laws of The Gambia,” he declared.

Seconding the motion was the National Assembly Member for Banjul Central, Hon. Abdoulie Saine, who also commended the ECOWAS for their efforts in trying to settle the political logjam in the country in a peaceful way.

He warned the people of Senegal to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of The Gambia, adding that they need Senegal in maintaining the peace between the two countries which has prevailed for years.

The National Assembly Member for Upper Saloum, Hon. Sainey Mbye, also commended ECOWAS for their “wonderful mediation” for the people of The Gambia in the political impasse.

He urged ECOWAS to solve the impasse in a very peaceful manner, rather than by using force.

Other National Assembly members equally commended ECOWAS for their mediation in trying to settle the political impasse peacefully.