By Mariama Marong
The National Council for Civic Education (NCCE), in collaboration with ECOWAS, on Wednesday, 9 April 2025, held a day-long regional dialogue on peace in Kalagi, Foni, in the West Coast Region.
The dialogue seeks to foster peacebuilding, national cohesion, and democratic governance as part of the TRRC White Paper’s implementation.
The Peace dialogue, themed: “Addressing Polarization: Dialogue for Reconciliation Lasting Peace and Democratic Stability”, also sets out to promote peacebuilding, reconciliation and national cohesion through the effective implementation of the TRRC’s White Paper recommendations, as well as bridge the political and tribal divide. It also intends to foster mutual understanding, strengthen democratic governance, unity, and healing in the Foni area in particular and the Gambia in general.
The gathering brought together security personnel, Chiefs, Alkalos, ECOWAS officials, community representatives, and stakeholders in Foni.
Speaking at the gathering, Chief of Foni Jarrol District Kebba K.K. Sanyang highlighted the importance of the dialogue, saying it is key for the people of Foni to engage in peace talks.
“Peace and stability is very crucial in a nation and we should all work towards nurturing the people in order to bring cohesion in Foni,” Chief Sanyang said.
He commended the NCCE for initiating peace talks in Foni and applauded them for their commitment to promoting reconciliation and peaceful cohesion in the area.
Yusupha Bojang, senior civic education officer at the NCCE, described the dialogue as fundamental in nurturing peace in Foni while noting that peace cannot be achieved in the absence of dialogue. Though there are challenges in the peacebuilding process in Foni, Mr. Bojang urged the people to continue to engage in dialogue to help them maintain peace and stability within the region in particular and the entire country in general.
“We are together as a nation and together as citizens of the Gambia. Therefore, we should try and ensure that peace is maintained at all times,” Mr. Bojang said. He said peace building is significant because it paves a way forward for national development, adding that nurturing and promoting peace and stability is essential for the people of Foni.
“It is important that we put aside our political differences and not to allow it divide us as a people, but rather take it to strengthen our relationships,” he said, adding that the dialogue seeks to address these challenges and differences through sensitisation and engagement with the people.
Ms. Miatta Lily, the ECOWAS resident representative to The Gambia, called for the maintenance and promotion of peace, saying it is the responsibility of all Gambians to ensure that the country is peaceful.
“It is important to feel what peace is because we need to maintain a stable community,” she said.
Lieutenant Colonel Wassa Camara, Commanding Officer of the 4th Infantry Battalion in Kanilai, said democracy cannot exist in the absence of peace, emphasising that maintaining peace should be a priority of everyone: security forces and civilians alike.
“It is the responsibility of all to ensure that peace and stability prevails in the community of Foni and Gambia at large,” Lieutenant Colonel Wassa Camara said.
On his part, Hon. Kebba Toumanding Sanneh, the National Assembly Member for Foni Jarrol District, urged the residents of Foni not to allow politicians to divide them regardless of their diverse ethnicities. Hon Sanneh claimed Foni is not fairly treated and called on the Government to treat Foni equally like any other territory within The Gambia.
