By: Isatou Sarr
The Gambia has officially launched the National Insider Mediators Network, aiming to bolster peacebuilding and social cohesion across the nation.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Interior in collaboration with the EU-UNDP Global Partnership Project, Peace Hub, the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), the Alternative Dispute Resolution Secretariat (ADRS), and the Peace Network, was inaugurated at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center in Bijilo on Sunday.
This initiative stems from the Infrastructure for Peace Project, reflecting the government’s commitment to strengthening mediation and fostering social cohesion in The Gambia. Through a community-based nomination process, 120 new and existing insider mediators were selected from all seven regions of the country. These mediators underwent comprehensive training in mediation, negotiation, and dialogue facilitation to equip them for their roles in conflict resolution.
Deputy Permanent Secretary (Admin and Finance) of the Ministry of Interior, Mr. Abraham K. Mendy, representing the Minister of Interior, Mr. Abdoulie Sanyang, expressed gratitude towards the EU-UNDP partnership for supporting the Insider Mediation project. He also acknowledged the effort and dedication of the Insider Mediation Project Technical Team, comprising WANEP, ADRS, Peace Hub, and the Peace Network, in selecting and training the mediators.
“With the launch of the Insider Mediators Network today, we have taken a significant step towards empowering communities to actively contribute to peacebuilding,” Mr. Mendy affirmed.
He highlighted the crucial role of insider mediators in transforming attitudes and behaviors that promote violence by creating spaces for dialogue and serving as bridges between conflicting groups.
UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Mandisa Mashologu, conveyed UNDP’s appreciation to the Ministry of Interior, the Project Team, and the European Union for their unwavering commitment to peacebuilding and conflict prevention. She emphasized that inclusivity remains a central principle in UNDP’s programming, particularly in promoting conflict resolution processes that address the needs of diverse groups. Ms. Mashologu encouraged the mediators to utilize their understanding of cultural diversity, social dynamics, and power structures to facilitate dialogue and bridge divides in pursuit of lasting peace in their communities.
The European Union Ambassador, Her Excellency Immaculada Roca I Cortes, underscored the importance of insider mediators as trusted bridges between communities, fostering dialogue and resolving disputes at the grassroots level.
“Their ability to navigate complex social and political landscapes makes them invaluable actors in the pursuit of national cohesion and stability,” she stated.
Ambassador Cortes reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting initiatives that reinforce peace and democratic governance in The Gambia.
One of the selected insider mediators, Ngui Secka, expressed her appreciation for being part of the network. She emphasized the importance of maintaining personal peace, stating that advocating for peace in the community requires individuals to first embody peace within themselves and their families.