Rethinking reconciliation and rebuilding strategies in the Gambia: A multi-stakeholder consultative meeting towards consolidating efforts

The aim of the meeting was to bring together various actors in Gambian society to reflect on the progress of the new administration through a critical analysis in order to create appropriate strategies to fill the identified gaps.

Indeed, the forum aimed to rethink the commitment and role of various actors in the current process of reconciliation and reconstruction. Towards this end, WANEP - Gambia has organized a multi - stakeholder consultation meeting to identify ongoing efforts and areas that can affect the country’s peace, security and social cohesion, and develop a sustainable strategy to address these problems.

Participants included civil society, traditional and religious organizations, the media, women's groups, security agencies and other state institutions taking part to the current process of reconciliation and reconstruction.

The participants undertook a frank and critical analysis of the issues addressed, gaps and factors that could impede the process. They have gone further to find realistic and achievable strategies that will improve reconciliation and facilitate the reconstruction of a democratic New Gambia, where all citizens are equal without favouritism, nepotism, tribalism, and religious intolerance among others.

The following topics were discussed during the various sessions:

• Current dynamics of peace and security;
• Reflection on the reconstruction process: gaps and opportunities;
• Building a strategic partnership and leverage options: towards a national peace architecture.

All the reflections emerging from these two days of the forum were gathered in a document that reflects the commitment and recommendations of the various stakeholders.

Given what the Gambia has gone through and the political stalemate that almost brought the country to a complete standstill because of its political governance, a consultative meeting of this nature could not have been organized at a better time and so efficiently.