This event brought together duty bearers, rights holders from national and local levels, and the Gambian diaspora to promote inclusive participation in the country’s ongoing development and reform agenda.
The gathering was part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in the implementation of national priorities, including transitional justice, security sector reform, and a recovery-focused development plan.
The NHRC emphasized that the town hall is intended to serve as a regular platform for interaction between citizens and state actors. The goal is to ensure that Gambians are not merely passive recipients of policy but active participants in shaping, evaluating, and improving governance structures.
In her keynote address, Jainaba Johm, Vice-Chairperson of the NHRC, highlighted the need to move beyond viewing electoral participation as the only form of civic engagement. She stated, “Often, governments believe that citizen participation only matters during elections. However, public affairs require continuous input from the people. Citizens must be consulted not only when votes are needed but throughout the policy-making process.”
Johm further discussed key milestones in Gambia’s transitional justice journey, including the establishment of the Constitutional Review Commission, the Janneh Commission, the TRRC, and the NHRC itself. She noted that out of the 265 recommendations issued by the TRRC, 263 were accepted by the government, which represents a significant step forward. However, she expressed concern that as of 2024, only 16 of the 263 recommendations had been fully implemented, according to the NHRC’s monitoring report.
“This forum provides an opportunity for victims, communities, and other stakeholders to voice their concerns, particularly regarding the lack of adequate information sharing. Victims have been central to advocating for implementation, and it is vital they remain involved at every step,” Johm stressed, adding that the recent inauguration of the Reparations Commission is a hopeful sign.
Mandisa Mashologu, UNDP Resident Representative, expressed appreciation for the NHRC’s leadership and reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to fostering inclusive governance. “This initiative represents a valuable partnership between the Government of The Gambia, UNDP, and the European Union. Citizens have a right to participate in public life, and it is the duty of the state to make that possible. Forums like this are essential for building a sustainable and people-centered democracy,” she said.
Echoing these sentiments, H.E. Raphael Brigandi, Deputy Head of Mission of the EU Delegation to The Gambia, described the town hall as “a platform for mutual accountability.” He emphasized that the goal is not just to inform but to empower citizens. “People, especially youth, women, and persons with disabilities, must be recognized as co-creators of national policies. Their lived experiences are key to shaping effective and inclusive programs,” he stated.
Rohey Malick Lowe, Mayor of Banjul, remarked that no development or reform effort can succeed if it is not localized. “Development must reflect the real needs of the people it aims to serve. This dialogue provides councilors and local leaders the opportunity to contribute directly to national development discussions,” she said. Mayor Lowe also reaffirmed the Banjul City Council’s commitment to participatory governance, especially in designing interventions that address the pressing needs of Banjulians.
She added that since 2017, both the Council and the central government have implemented transformative reform initiatives, including the TRRC, security sector reform, legal and institutional reforms, and the establishment of the NHRC to build a just and democratic Gambia.
