By: Mariama Njie
The Africa Centre for Human Right Studies (ACDHRS) in collaboration with other Women Peace Advocate in Gambia, Senegal and Guinea Bissau organized a day long workshop on Women Peace Table on 31st October, 2019 at Metzy Resident Hotel.
The workshop was held under the theme: “The proactive Actions of the forum for Peace and Security in Senegal, Gambia and Guinea Bissau Space”
Speaking at the Forum, Hannah Forster, executive director of ACDHRS described the forum as success, saying it aims to contribute in maintaining peace within the sub-region.
She pointed out that these Countries share common things, so it is prudent for them to come together and discussed on affecting peace in the sub-region.
Hon. Sheikh Omar Faye, Minister of Defence described the sub- region as one family, noting that the people of these countries share many in common.
He explained that recently the head of state had assigned him to meet and discuss with military officials to be apolitical and execute their function in maintaining peace.
According to him, this organization has played a crucial role during the Gambia’s political standoff.
‘’The Gambia is well concern with the conflict in Cassamance region, stating that the Gambia Government will make efforts in turning the Southern Senegal region to a peaceful zone’’, he said.
He called on the development partners to speed up in empowering and promoting women organization so as to contribute immensely in maintaining peace in the sub-region.
Paulo Sa, Guinea Bissau representative, described the forum significant, saying development will not take place in the absents of peace.
He said the unsettle conflict of Cassamance for the past decades is a total deliberate of the Senegalese, the Gambia and Guinea Bissau government as a shame.
Madam Ndaye Marie Thiam, President of Women’s Forum for Peace in Cassamance (PFPC) said the sub-regional countries are geographically links as well share many things in common.
She explained that over the years her country specially Cassamance has experience unstable society for the past, adding the change of Gambia government had play a key role in turn the history of Cassamance to good.
According to her, the forum is a mechanism to dialogue with stakeholders to peace within the sub- region; she called on Gambia to organize them as consolidate peace with sub- region.
She stressed that The Gambia, Senegal, and civil society organization are ready to dialogue with MFDC to ensure peace and stability of the region.
