Gambian Youths Discuss Role in Current Political Crisis

Confab follows Jammeh’s rejection of election results and his vow to not step-down on January 19 (Photo Credit: MSJoof/TNBES/Dec2016)

The newly formed movement Young Citizens for Development (YC4D) and the National Youth Council (NYC) on Wednesday held a conference to discuss The Gambia’s political impasse.

It follows outgoing president Yahya Jammeh’s rejection of the December 1 presidential election and his most recent vow to not step-down when his term expires on January 19.

The event held at the Faculty of Law at the University of The Gambia (UTG) is meant to discuss the role young Gambians can play in the transition and reconciliation process and to make their position on the current political crisis known.

Dr. Isamaila Ceesay, a Senior Lecturer on Politics at the UTG and member of YC4D, said Wednesday’s gathering is based on one premise, local solutions to local problems. 

“We have seen efforts by international organisations like ECOWAS sent delegates to come and put some sense into our obstinate ex-president Yahya Jammeh,” he said. “But I think that is not enough because whatever the outcome of this political crisis, it is going to affect young people more.”

Dr. Ceesay said young Gambians need a Gambia that can kind of nurture their potentials. He said it seems like for the past 22 years many young Gambians could not really fulfill their real potentials.

Lamin Darboe, Executive Director of NYC, said it is critical for the young to examine their role in the peaceful and successful transition and national reconciliation to “make our country better and greater again.”

“We the young people, who do not only possess invisible, hidden but also visible power, we will never, ever compromise the peace, security of this country,” he said.  

He also announced that about 100 youths will gather from Thursday to Saturday to come up with a national youth position on the current crisis that will be shared with the government and all other stakeholders.

“This will also make those who failed to listen to us listen to us keenly – that we the young people are taking our country,” he said.

Salieu Taal of the activist movement #GambiaHasDecided, said the hashtag (#) is a civil society initiative by diverse Gambians based in The Gambia. It came about after “ex-president Yahya Jammeh’s attempt to annul the results”, he said.

Taal 40, a lawyer, said he voted for the first time during this year’s election because he, like many Gambians, wanted change.

He said the hashtag is meant to ensure Gambian voices are heard loud and clear. “We are saying no to the attempt to thwart our votes, not to the attempt to subvert our constitution…,” he said.

Muhammed Lamin Dibba of YC4C said: “We want great prospects for the future [and] as young people we must act on behalf of justice and peace. We must develop the depth of spirit from great heights of hopes and determination.”

Panel discussions at the youth conference were centered on the topics: to what extent can the current political crisis affect young people; the position of young people in the current political crisis; and the role that young people can play in the transition and the subsequent reconciliation process.

Youth organisations including Legacy Gambia, Friendship Zone, YALI Alumni, National Federation of Gambian UNESCO Clubs, American International University, Girls Agenda, Blood Donation Sukuta, Karantaba Youth Development Association, Young People in the Media, Gambia Music Association, The Block Entertainment, and ACTIVISTA participated in the event.

Written by Modou S. Joof

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