By Binta Jaiteh
President Adama Barrow has called on politicians, ethnic groups, and citizens to end anger and hostility stating that National Dialogue should be an avenue to eradicate the man-made barriers that breed ill will.
“I am informed that there is a national coordination and dissemination strategy to make sure that the discussions and outcomes of the forum reach the citizens in the remotest parts of the country,” the Gambian leader told his compatriots at the opening of National Dialogue on Friday at Sir Dawda KairabaJawara Conference Centre.
The 2024 National Dialogue was hosted under the theme “Preserving the Nation, safeguarding the State and securing our resources,” and is geared towards building consensus on fundamental national issues of concern to all Gambians.
The Gambian stated that the strategy contains planned regional dialogue forums to give the initiative a true national character.
“I have noted that the thematic areas, derived from the main theme, are all in the public interest. They are not framed in favour of any person or group of persons,” he said.
He pointed out that, the National Dialogue forum provides an excellent opportunity for Gambians to iron out their differences and it creates a politically and socially amicable atmosphere to coexist peacefully.
“I proposed, that the forum adopts realistic resolutions for joint implementation and we may not agree on certain principles, we can always agree on national frameworks or policies, programmes, and projects.
The reason is that there is always a common standpoint from which we can work together, remembering that the basic principles of dialogue include consensus building. Building consensus calls for negotiation, flexibility, and compromise,” the Gambian leader highlighted
Barrow, proposed further that the success of this dialogue be assessed by the extent to which, it will contribute to enlightening the Gambian citizens, no matter how remote their homes are. “Let its impact be determined also by the extent to which it will influence political theories in our institutions and the school curriculum to produce democratic citizens.”
President Barrow said: “To collaborate and succeed in the process of any dialogue, we must activate our sense of wisdom and readiness to learn and the generosity to share what we know; use our abilities to negotiate and expand our capacity to accommodate divergent views; act with humility to acknowledge the truth.”
Fabakary Tombong Jatta, Speaker of the National Assembly stated that National dialogue is set against the backdrop of the Independence Day celebration, provides an opportunity to reflect on the journey, appreciate accomplishments, and collectively chart a course towards a future marked by enhanced democracy, lasting peace, prosperity and continued stability.
Speaker Jatta explained that, despite the profound animosities among political opponents, the inexorable forces of circumstance and time have consistently fostered reconciliation and collaboration for the preservation of sovereignty and stability.
“Gambians to utilize this moment and opportunity given our history and experience, to put an end to the emerging rise in variants of right-wing and left-wing populism in our politics by crafting viable partnerships among ourselves as political and opinion leaders that reflect the Gambian context in all its nuances, complexity, and opportunities,” he said.
He added: “As we engage in this dialogue to fortify national solidarity, let us also remind ourselves of our rich cultural norms and values, steeped in religious tolerance and ethnic harmony, which have historically bound us together.”
