Francis D. Mendy made the remark at the commemoration of the 45th International Day of Peace held on Monday, 21st September 2026, at the Senegambia Beach Hotel.
The commemoration, organized by the Justice and Peace Commission (JPC) of the Catholic Diocese of Banjul on the theme: “Bringing together key stakeholders committed to the promotion of peace and social cohesion,” brought together religious leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
It sought to reflect on the shared responsibility of building a Gambia characterized by dialogue, solidarity, peaceful coexistence and respect for the dignity and rights of all.
The observance also provided an opportunity for individuals, communities and nations to renew their commitment to peace, non-violence, justice, reconciliation and respect for human dignity, and to raise public awareness on the collective responsibility to build and sustain a culture of peace in The Gambia.
Mr. Mendy emphasized that The Gambia must invest in peace as a daily practice — through dialogue, forgiveness, tolerance and by rejecting hate speech.
In his peace and reconciliation message, Rev. Fr. James J. Jatta, Chairperson of the Justice and Peace Commission, said that in an era of political transition, The Gambia must embrace reconciliation as the foundation of its democratic journey.
“Every act of kindness, forgiveness and cooperation is a seed of peace that future generations will harvest,” he said, calling on Gambians to transform their diversity into strength, their wounds into wisdom and their faith into a living witness of peace.
Sheikh Essa Darboe, President of The Gambia Supreme Islamic Council, underlined that Islam is a religion of peace and that it is a duty for Muslims to be peacemakers.
He pointed to the peaceful coexistence of different faiths in The Gambia, noting that Muslims and Christians share neighbourhoods, schools and families, describing the relationship as a precious national strength.
“It is our duty as religious leaders to protect that good relationship between followers of different religions through dialogue and collaboration,” he urged.
Darboe explained that the main objective of The Gambia Inter-Religious Committee, established by The Gambia Supreme Islamic Council and the Christian Council, is to work together to build and nurture peace and live together as Gambians.
He reaffirmed the Supreme Islamic Council’s commitment to work with all partners in striving for justice and peace in The Gambia and beyond.
