Beakanyang holds Bantaba Forum in Foni

The forum dubbed – ‘Badinbung Bantaba’ forms part of series of activities being organized by the local NGO as part of its transitional justice project. The project was funded by the African Transitional Justice Legacy Fund with European Union and AU support.

Welcoming the gathering, Lamin Badjie, the alkalo of Sintet, thanked Beakanyang for choosing, consulting and implementing the Badinbung project in Sintet.

The ‘Badinbung initiative’, he added, is not only a part of the broader TRRC recommendations on reconciliation, but a very important characteristic of African values.

For his part, Mr. Nfamara Jawneh, Executive Director of Beakanyang, thanked the people of Sintet especially victims for embracing the ‘Badinbung initiative.

The objective of Badinbung initiative, he went on, is to provide safe space for victims and perpetrators to dialogue, take individual responsibility of past human rights violations and foster reconciliation.

“Badinbung is a traditional African Justice mechanism that was piloted by Beakanyang in URR in 2021 and has paid well in that part of the country.” he said.

Jawneh disclosed that not all victims had the opportunity to appear before TRRC and the Bantaba will provide such victims the platform to also share their stories.  

“We know there are many victims in this community especially witch-hunt victims of former regime, the Badinbung is here to support them.” he said.

Nataba Drammeh, an influential woman in the village, recounted how effective the Badinbung used to be in the past and hailed its re-introduction in the village.

“I thanked Beakanyang for coming up with this great initiative and also thank all your donors for making it possible.” she said.

Speaking on behalf of the Chief of Foni Jarrol, Mr. Abdurrahman Sanyang applauded Beakanyang for bringing the initiative to the district.

He spoke highly of the initiative as it is not a new concept in the country, except that it has not been effectively utilised over the years.

“The chief is very much appreciative of your coming and I urge community members to participate fully in today’s sessions and all other activities.” he said.

Meanwhile, as part of the Bantaba, Lawyer Lamin Sanyang also made a powerful presentation on African Union Transitional Justice Policy and Framework.

He lauded the initiative for its foresight and as something that is in line with the said policy.

At the end of the forum, several community members acknowledged that the initiative has already started laying the foundation for the restoration of broken relationships in the community.