By Madi S. Njie
Magistrate Muhammed Krubally went unopposed during last weekend’s congress of The Gambia Federation for the Disabled (GFD) held in Jarra Soma, Lower River Region (LRR).
He was unanimously reelected to serve his second term in office as the Chairperson of the GFD Board.
The Congress was held alongside the Commemoration of the International Day of Persons With Disabilities. The celebrations, which spanned from 9 to 11 February 2024, brought together 19 Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs). These organisations constitute members of the Federation.
Other newly elected GFD Board members include Jabel Ceesay- First Vice Chairman, Modou Gaye- 2nd Vice Chairman, Abdoulie A.O Bah- Secretary General, Ousman Bojang- re-elected Treasurer; the ordinary board members are: Ms Jarrai Jabbi, Madam Fatoumatta Fatty, Alhagie Ceesay and Mr Sheriff Kinteh.
Speaking at the opening Ceremony, Muhammed Krubally, GFD Chairman said GFD’s mission statement seeks for empowerment, equity and integration of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
He said the gathering was to commemorate the international day of PWDs, courtesy of a United Nations Resolution setting aside 3rd December of each year for persons with disability. He added that the day should have been celebrated on the 3 December 2023, but they could not due to logistical challenges.
He said Section 4 of PWDs Act 2021 of The Gambia provides that PWDs have rights that should be respected such as Respect for Inherent Dignity, Individual Freedom/autonomy, including respecting the rights of PWDs and independence of PWDs, non-discrimination, full and effective participation of PWDs in society, accessibility, as well as respect for difference and acceptance of PWDs in society as part of humanity and human diversity, equality between men and women, equal opportunities, respect for the rights of children with disabilities, in order to preserve their identities.
“These are our core principles that need not to be compromised with,” said Krubally.
Krubally said in his earlier statement that GFD dissolved its board in 2018, following their members’ dissatisfactions, which resulted to the closure of the then GFD Office. An interim board was constituted in which he was elected interim Chairman, until a Congress in 2019 where he was elected for four years term as Chairman. He said during his first term, the Disability Act 2021 was passed, ensuring guarantee for disability rights. Implementation mechanisms will be passed by the National Assembly in 2024 to ensure that PWDs’ rights will not be trampled upon.
He said he was able to formulate a functional office, with the appointment of an Executive Director to date, built relations with Government, NGOs, statutory institutions and individuals.
Jankoba Jabbi, Director of Social Welfare on behalf of the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, indicated Government’s commitment through her Ministry to “embark on every possible means to realize full independence of persons with disabilities, through the provision of their basic needs”.
He, among other speakers, said Government’s commitment is manifested through the domestication of international legal instruments guaranteeing rights of PWDs, and the setting up of a Disability Advisory Council, headed by the GFD Chairman.
Ms. Sirra Horeja Ndow – UNAIDS Country Director on behalf of UN Resident Coordinator, said The Gambia ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2015.
She noted that The Gambia’s Green Focused National Development Plan has a pillar dedicated to empowerment, social inclusion, and leaving no one behind, including PWDs.
“These actions signal a positive trajectory towards fulfilling state obligations towards the protection of the rights of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs),” she said.
She said UNAIDS is committed to ensuring that countries have policies that promote zero Discrimination on the basis of disabilities.
Other speakers included Landing B. Sanneh, Chairman of Mansakonko Area Council and Mr Edrissa Waggeh, Representative of the LRR Governor. Sessions also included HIV sensitisation session.
