In the lead up to the national celebration of The Gambia’s independence anniversary on Sunday, February 18th 2024, two high profile national dialogue fora were organised as part of activities commemorating the national day. His Excellency President Adama Barrow graced and participated on both occasions. The dialogue with leaders of political parties held on February 12th at State House in Banjul, was followed by the open dialogue held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara Conference Centre on Friday, February 16th 2024.
The theme of the dialogue is: “Preserving the Nation, safeguarding the State and securing our resources” .
In his opening statement at Friday’s dialogue, President Adama Barrow explained that the National Dialogue forum aimed at building consensus on fundamental national issues of concern to all Gambians. “It is acknowledged in all democracies that dialogue is a democratic principle; thus, this National Forum reflects democracy at work”, he stated. He went on: “Through this forum, we should be able to eradicate the man-made barriers that breed ill will. Let the forum serve to end anger and hostility, for example, between ethnic groupings and political parties, between the State and the people, and between the formal institutions and the common citizens”.
Further on the merits of the dialogue, the President indicated that it gives the people a voice, as it provides space for their participation in national affairs; that it enhances building consensus and bridges across peoples of diverse composition and persons who hold different opinions.
“Nationally, dialogue comes with the possibility of sharing experiences, knowledge, and new ideas, leading to understanding, cooperation and, subsequently, unity, peace, progress, and stability. All these benefits are interlinked and, often, inseparable”.
He pointed out that the forum was neither meant for any party to score political points, nor for anyone to make gains for oneself, and therefore advised that the opportunity be utilised for the good of the nation, while setting the stage for future dialogues, cooperation, and collaboration.
He went on: “The forum provides an excellent opportunity for us to iron out our differences and create a politically and socially amicable atmosphere for all Gambians to coexist peacefully”.
President Barrow then proposed that the success of the dialogue be assessed by the extent to which it will contribute to enlightening the Gambian citizens, no matter how remote their homes are. “Let its impact be determined also by the extent to which it will influence political theories in our institutions and the school curriculum to produce democratic citizens,” he added, while applauding the dissemination strategy through regional dialogues, saying the initiative will give it a true national character.
The President concluded by calling on Gambians to work as independent thinkers and to discuss constructively to achieve our common goal of living peacefully as a united, progressive, and stable nation.
“… to collaborate and succeed in the process of any dialogue, we must activate our sense of wisdom and readiness to learn and the generosity to share what we know; use our abilities to negotiate and expand our capacity to accommodate divergent views; act with humility to acknowledge the truth and, if offended, have the good will to forgive; be patient enough to listen and be disciplined enough to withhold hurtful speech…”.
