The activity formed parts of its year-long project dubbed- ‘Badinbung’, which is being funded by the African Transitional Justice Legacy Fund (ATJLF), through an EU and AU administered funds.
The event, which attracted over 300 participants from across North Bank and West Coast Regions, also witnessed performances by cultural groups drawn mainly from the project intervention communities such as Sintet, Jambur, Bafuloto, Makumbaya, Barra and Essau.
Addressing the gathering, Nfamara Jawneh, Executive Director of Beakanyang, underscored the significance of the ‘Badinbung’ initiative, saying the initiative resonates well within the communities as it uses traditional ways to solve disputes and conflicts in communities and has provided safe space for victims and perpetrators to dialogue, take individual responsibility of past human rights violations and foster reconciliation.
He commended ATJLF for supporting the festival and the Badinbung project as a whole, while describing the impact of the project as huge.
For his part, Imam Omar Bojang, Chairman of West Coast (WCR) and North Bank Regions (NBR) trained facilitators, spoke on the importance of the Badinbung model.
He expressed gratitude to the local NGO for reviving such an initiative, which he said, seeks to foster healing and harmony by reconciling community members.
Representing the beneficiary communities, Abdoulie H. Bojang and Jabang from Jambur and Sintet respectively, acknowledged that the initiative empowers facilitators to resolve disputes at the community level.
They urged participants to uphold the initiative for its sustainability.
Juliet Ugwu, a project officer from ATJLF, praised the efforts of Beakanyang and for convening such an important event.
“The Badinbung as a community-led effort to restore relationships in communities, shows us how communities can lead their own reconciliation efforts.”
She hailed the long-standing partnership between ATJLF and Beakanyang, which he said, dates back to 2021 when they first supported their first festival in URR.
“Badinbung is very close to our heart, its remarkable,” she said.
Delivering a statement on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Deputy Permanent Secretary Mr. Fadera while commending the initiative, equally thanked organisers for their foresight.
He said the initiative aligns with Gambian cultural values in fostering peace within communities.
In addition, the two-day fest was filled with a vibrant display of Gambian cultural heritage, as different ethnic groups showcased their traditions. The performances and exhibitions highlighted how Gambian cultural diversity contributes to harmonious community living. It ended up with a cultural dialogue among participants. Victims, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community elders, and young people from the two regions, also graced the event.
