Engaging local authorities in the North Bank Region on a youth-led five-point action plan

The Gambia is one of many African countries currently undergoing a transitional justice (TJ) process. During the 22-year dictatorship under former President Yaya Jammeh, the nation experienced a range of human rights abuses, particularly against women, including extrajudicial killings, unlawful detention, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), witch hunts, and more. As part of the “Empowering Gambian Youths to Voice Their Demands to Duty Bearers on Issues of Governance, Reconciliation, and Prevention” project, funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund through the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ), Think Young Women (TYW) organised an interface between 50 young people in the North Bank Region and local authorities from the 20th to 21st September 2024, to present a youth-led five-point action plan for implementation.

The five-point action plan was developed as an outcome of previous capacity-building engagement with youth of the region on the TJ process, recommendations from the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) and the Government White Paper, under the same project. Serving as a guiding document, the action plan aims to foster collaboration and meaningful youth engagement in development processes, with a specific focus on the TJ process. Following its validation, the plan was presented at the interface with local authorities to seek their collaboration and advocate for its implementation.

During the event, youth and local stakeholders, including the Governor, Commissioners from the Police and Drug Law Enforcement Agency, the Regional Education Director, and others, engaged in a panel discussion on the TJ process and the Youth Policy. The discussion generated positive feedback and served as an accountability measure, securing commitments from both youth and authorities to address institutional reforms, particularly within security institutions, to reduce crime, corruption, and drug abuse among youth in the region. The youth identified drug abuse, crime, and insecurity as top concerns, and called for regular public forums to hold stakeholders accountable.

Honourable Fatou Ndure, a participant and member of the National Youth Parliament, emphasised that “unemployment is one of the major causes of irregular migration and drug abuse among youth in the region, leading to high crime rates.” She highlighted that addressing this issue requires enhanced security, increased employment opportunities, and skills development programs for young people. Mariama Sonko, another participant, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of effective rehabilitation for young drug addicts and returnee migrants, as they are often marginalised by their families and communities. She stated that, “if rehabilitation is not done effectively, society faces a higher risk of increased crime and vulnerable groups, including women, are exposed to greater violence and abuse.”

These discussions fostered a collaborative atmosphere between the youth and local authorities, creating a foundation for good governance and accountability. This environment is expected to contribute to The Gambia's broader transitional justice process by advancing institutional reforms, enhancing accountability, and creating a more informed society. The strengthened relationship between youth and authorities is crucial for building a just and equitable society where the rights and welfare of citizens remain a priority for state and enforcement officials.

Following these productive conversations, a task force has been established, bringing together the District Youth Chairperson, Regional Youth Chairperson, the Police, the Drug Law Enforcement Agency, the Kerewan Area Council, and other stakeholders. This task force will work collaboratively to address the pressing challenges facing young people in the region.