Dr
Mohamed Ibn Chambas has commended the Gambian nation for overcoming a political
impasse peacefully.
In
a press release sent to this paper, the UN West Africa representative said
Gambians had shown that they are politically mature and are ready to build a
unified, democratic and a prosperous country.
The
full text of the press release follows:
On
the occasion of the return of the President of The Gambia, Mr. Adama Barrow, to
the capital Banjul, the Special Representative of the United Nations
Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Mr. Mohamed Ibn
Chambas, congratulates the people of The Gambia for their political maturity
and their commitment to peace.
“The
peaceful attitude of the Gambians during the election and during the crisis
demonstrates their determination to build a unified, democratic and a
prosperous country.
“The
peaceful resolution of the crisis followed by the return to the country of the
democratically-elected President, Adama Barrow, to a tumultuously welcome, will
set the foundations for an inclusive national reconciliation, and will open a
new chapter in the history of The Gambia.
“It
is the victory of preventive regional diplomacy that has been successful
through the mobilization of regional actors, and in perfect coordination with
the international community.
“It
is vital that the mobilization of the regional actors and the international
community, to resolve peacefully the crisis, is maintained and consolidated to
help the Gambians and the new government achieve a democratic, orderly and
peaceful transition,” declared Ibn Chambas.
As
part of its commitment to support the new administration, the United Nations
Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) has deployed to Banjul a senior
expert on transition of power, to help the new authorities interact with the
former one, and articulate a plan of action to ensure a peaceful and democratic
transition.
