Banjul, 3rd March 2025: The Ministry of Interior, in partnership with the EU-UNDP Global Partnership Project, Peace Hub, WANEP, ADRS and Peace Network, on Wednesday, 26th February 2025, officially launched the ‘National Insider Mediators in The Gambia’, at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Kololi.
This initiative stemmed from the EU-UNDP Global Partnership Project meant to strengthen insider mediation for conflict prevention and peace-building, which has been instrumental in solidifying insider mediation mechanisms in The Gambia.
With the effort of the project technical team, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior,120 new and existing insider mediators were selected within all seven regions in The Gambia through a community-based nomination process, and were trained in mediation, negotiation, and dialogue facilitation.
The launch of the Insider Mediator Network was in response to a demand made by stakeholders. It seeks to advance insider mediation through the Network of Mediators, as aligned with the longer-term Government ambition of strengthening coordination between various formalised peace structures to discharge their roles in facilitating dialogue, and mediation among conflicting parties, and promote reconciliation and sustainable peace beyond the project duration.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary (Admin and Finance) at Ministry of the Interior, Mr Abraham K Mendy, delivered a speech on behalf of the Honourable Minister of the Interior, Mr Abdoulie Sanyang. He expressed sincere gratitude to the EU-UNDP partnership for supporting the implementation of the Insider Mediation project in The Gambia.
He equally acknowledged the crucial role played by the Insider Mediation Project Technical Team (WANEP, ADRS, Peace-Hub, Peace Network) for their tireless efforts in the selection of the insider mediators being inaugurated.
“With the launch of the Insider Mediators Network today, we have taken a significant step towards empowering communities to actively contribute to peace building,” Mr Mendy affirmed.
He noted that insider mediators play a key role in changing attitudes and behaviours that promote violence, by creating spaces for dialogue and serving as bridges between conflicting groups.
“Today, we proudly announce the launch of the Insider Mediators Network, a vital platform dedicated to fostering peace building and conflict resolution at the grassroots level by empowering trusted community members to facilitate dialogue and understanding within their societies, and promoting sustainable solutions through locally-led mediation initiatives”.
He went on: “It is my hope that it will contribute towards strengthening social cohesion and building resilient communities through proactive conflict prevention”.
Ms. Mandisa Mashologu, UNDP Resident Representative conveyed UNDP’s sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Interior, the Project Team and the European Union for this important partnership on Insider Mediation for Conflict Prevention and Peace building in The Gambia.
She said this aspiration is clearly outlined in UNDP The Gambia’s Country Programme Document (2024–2028) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, both of which she said, emphasised building local capacities for conflict resolution.
Ms Mashologu explained that a diverse group of regional and community stakeholders developed a comprehensive set of criteria geared towards ensuring a fair and transparent selection. She mentioned key attributes such as impartiality, trustworthiness, eloquence, and strong communication skills, as criteria that guided the selection process, leading to the appointment of the 120 insider mediators across The Gambia’s seven regions.
“It is truly gratifying to see these trusted mediators, who embody integrity and credibility, chosen to serve their communities at the grassroots level through dialogue and conflict resolution”.
Ms Mashologu emphasised the importance of Inclusivity, which she said remains a central principle in UNDP’s programming, particularly in promoting inclusive conflict resolution processes that address the needs of diverse groups.
She concluded by congratulating all the insider mediators and encouraging them to use their unique understanding of cultural diversity, social dynamics, and power structures to facilitate dialogue and bridge divides in pursuit of lasting peace in their respective communities. Equally, she reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment towards enhancing Insider Mediation in the Gambia.
The European Union Ambassador, Her Excellency Immaculada Roca I Cortes, began her statement by extending her sincere appreciation to the Government of The Gambia, the United Nations Development Programme, and all our implementing partners for their unwavering commitment to peace building and conflict prevention.
She emphasised that insider mediators are the cornerstone of sustainable peace, underscoring their importance role in serving 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. The European Union is proud to support this initiative, reinforcing our longstanding partnership with The Gambia in strengthening peace and democratic governance.
“Today, as we officially recognise and empower the 120 identified mediators representing all regions and diverse communities, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities, we take a significant step towards strengthening the infrastructure for peace in The Gambia,” she stated.
Ambassador Cortes affirmed that the Insider Mediators Network will be instrumental in ensuring that disputes are resolved peacefully, that dialogue remains open, and that communities are equipped to address conflicts before they escalate.
In her conclusion, she said the initiative also aligns with broader national efforts, including the establishment of the Peace and Reconciliation Commission and the institutional reforms outlined in the government’s White Paper. She reiterated that the EU will remain a steadfast partner in advancing peace, stability, and democratic governance in The Gambia.
Ngui Secka, one of the selected insider mediators, showed her appreciation for being part of the selected national insider mediators. In her reflection, she stressed the importance of maintaining peace within themselves first, posting that you cannot advocate for peace in your community when you don’t have peace in you and your family.
By Bubacarr Gaye
