The forum facilitated an opportunity to strengthen working relationships between the National Early Warning and Response Mechanism Coordinating Center-The Gambia (NEWRMCC), the national election response group, state actors, community leaders, civil society organisations, women, and youth groups.
The activity is a key component of a broader project titled: "Strengthening Multi-Stakeholder Response to Election Violence in West Africa."
It is funded by the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development and the European Union (EU) under the ECOWAS Peace and Security Architecture Operations (EPSAO) Project.
Enya Braun, EU delegate in The Gambia said the EU recognises the importance of partnership between states and non-state actors in contributing to national capacities to ensure peaceful electoral processes.
Ms. Braun emphasised that the EU is committed to supporting the Government of The Gambia and all stakeholders to strengthen the existing mechanism for peaceful elections in the country.
Levinia Addae-Mensah, Deputy Executive Director for WANEP regional office said the dialogue was important as it would help all actors understand their various roles, responsibilities and mandates in mitigating violence in The Gambia and beyond.
For Salama Njie, National Network coordinator, WANEP-Gambia , the interactive session is aimed at supporting stakeholders identify key challenges within the democratic space and offer solutions to ensure peaceful electioneering processes in The Gambia.
Miatta French, ECOWAS Ambassador said most political problems emanate from the conduct or results of elections.
Madam French noted that ECOWAS’ increasing economic activities is taking a backseat in political conflicts, adding that the commission is looking forward to minimizing the conflicts and focusing on economic development.
Dr. David Tommy, chairperson for the National Elections Response Group said “elections are not devoting; it is what happens before, during, and after that is.”
Dr. Tommy added that elections should be fair and free to mitigate violence.
