Gambia celebrated as model of peacebuilding success at UN meeting

In a significant recognition of its remarkable transition to peace, The Gambia was hailed as a success story at the recent United Nations Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) meeting held on June 21st, 2024.

The session, titled “The 2025 Review of the Peacebuilding Architecture: The Gambia’s Experience in Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace,” highlighted The Gambia’s effective peacebuilding efforts and called for it to be a model for other countries in transition.

The PBC praised the leadership of President Adama Barrow and the proactive engagement of The Gambia’s Permanent Mission to the UN under H.E. Dr. Mamadou Tangara, who is now the Foreign Minister.

This engagement began in 2017, amid a post-electoral political impasse, with the goal of preventing conflict and a potential humanitarian crisis. The initial request for the PBC’s support led to heightened international awareness and strategic backing for The Gambia.

Under the chairmanship of H.E. Mr. Cho Tae-yul of the Republic of Korea, the PBC quickly responded by organizing a delegation visit to The Gambia. This visit, which included key stakeholders such as Ambassador Tangara and H.E. Oscar Fernandez-Taranco, Assistant Secretary-General of the Peacebuilding Support Office, was pivotal in understanding the ground realities and rallying international support.

This early and flexible engagement with the PBC allowed The Gambia to maintain full national ownership and leadership of its peacebuilding process. The PBC’s unique forum facilitated discussions on a wide range of issues, addressing the root causes of conflict and promoting social cohesion. This holistic approach has been vital in The Gambia’s ongoing transition.

The PBC’s long-term commitment has been instrumental in supporting The Gambia’s efforts in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and sustaining peace. The Commission’s political accompaniment and preventive diplomacy have kept international attention focused on The Gambia, ensuring continuous support. The Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) alone has contributed $34 million, implementing 18 projects aimed at conflict prevention and peacebuilding.

Key achievements in The Gambia’s peacebuilding journey include the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission and the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC), supported by the PBF. These institutions have been central to the country’s transitional justice process, culminating in a White Paper outlining the implementation of TRRC recommendations.

H.E. Elizabeth Spehar, the current Assistant Secretary-General of the Department of Political Affairs and Peacebuilding Support, commended The Gambia’s progress and urged the international community to learn from its experience. She emphasized the importance of strengthening the PBC and enhancing its visibility to support more countries effectively.

The Gambia’s government has also secured approval for a new five-year cycle of PBF eligibility, ensuring continued support for its peacebuilding efforts.

The Gambia’s success story stands as a testament to the power of international cooperation and strategic peacebuilding, offering valuable lessons for other nations striving for peace and stability.