By Binta Jaiteh
The Ministry of Public Service, Administrative Reforms, Policy Coordination and Delivery, and the office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator, on Tuesday, inaugurated the Peacebuilding Steering Committee and High-Level Consultation on the development of the peacebuilding strategic results framework 2024 to 2028.
During the inauguration held at Sir Dawda Kairaba Conference Centre Bijilo, the Secretary-General and Head of Civil Service, Salimata ET Touray said as part of institutional reforms, the PBF supported the Office of the President in transforming the Policy Analysis Unit into the Department of Strategic Policy and Delivery.
Adding that presently reassigned, together with the Personnel Management Office (PMO) and the National Records Service (NRS), to the new Ministry of Public Service, Administrative Reform, and Policy Coordination.
She revealed that the Strategic Framework will guide the financing of peacebuilding operations in The Gambia from 2024-2028 as a walk down memory lane will show that the Peacebuilding Fund has been one of the early champions of the political transition in The Gambia and supported the Government in institutional strengthening and transformation.
Noted that, USD26 million was invested in thirteen national projects in the last five years; these projects were designed to establish the infrastructure for peace and the National Human Rights Commission and enhance women and youth participation in decision-making.
However, this extension if approved, she said will bridge the funding gap to complete the Constitutional and Security Sector Reform processes, address emerging needs from previous assistance to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), implement the recommendations of the Truth, Reparation and Reconciliation Commission (TRRC), execute the PBF Cross-Border Project for increased community resilience and social cohesion in The Gambia and Senegal, including new projects that the Government may deem critical to the development and maintenance of peace in The Gambia.
Patrick McCarthy, the United Nations Peace and Development Adviser in the Gambia made a presentation on the Gambia’s Peacebuilding Challenges 2024-2028 food for thought.
He said Casamance and the Perceived Marginalisation of Foni, that the situation in Casamance will continue to impact The Gambia, but Is an exogenous factor.
According to him, Foni is the most affected by military operations and movements of refugees from Casamance and the sensitivity of ECOMIG deployments adding that the perceived marginalization of Foni must be addressed to strengthen social cohesion and national unity.
Mrs. Ndey Sireng Bukerin, Executive Director of TANGO also said the role of civil society is essential to understand conflict dynamics, identify missing capacity gaps, provide adequate Peacebuilding support, and assess the impact of Peacebuilding and sustaining peace. Civil society organizations are always at the forefront of Peacebuilding initiatives in communities affected by conflict. We bring local knowledge, local connections, and an in-depth understanding of the needs and aspirations of the people we serve.
