By Omar Bah
The ambassador of the Economic Community of West African States to The Gambia, Vabah Gayflor, has expressed the regional bloc’s regret and dismay in the recent shooting of unarmed protesters in Faraba Banta.
This, she said, has threatened the country’s security over the past weeks.
She made these remarks yesterday during a dialogue meeting with Gambian CSOs at her office on challenges to human security in The Gambia.
“We are really disturbed about recent incidents that occurred where lives were lost, properties destroyed and agitation has been going on and people do not seem to be pleased,” she said.
She added: “We want to say we are very sorry about what has happened, but we hope in due course as immediate measures are being taken, commissions are being set-up, that results would come out that would be pleasant or pleasing to give justice to those who deserve justice.”
“We are calling on all of you in charge to be responsible in a way that will ensure peace reins in the country…And I want to assure you that Ecowas will continue to do its best to ensure that peace and tranquility is maintained,” she said.
Ambassador Gayflor said in the meantime they want to appeal for patience because peace is the answer.
“Sometimes you get too upset, too angry and you will not think right…Even in our homes sometimes we experience that… So we want to encourage all of us to look at this as a page that every one of us has a very critical role to play.”
“We think that there is room for all to make some progress. We know environmental goods are around we think they should be let into…Work with them and see how you can get a medium through which you can positively engage with relevant authorities so that they can respond,” she told the CSOs.
Commenting on the dialogue meeting with CSOs, Madam Gayflor said the Civil Society Organisations should serve as watch to government to ensure there is transparency and accountability.
“There were issues that could have gone out of hand during the political impasse but it was because of the CSOs vigilance that they did not go out of hand. We will continue to work with you to see how best we can together come with solutions to the many challenges that the country is facing because we are really interested in seeing peace in The Gambia.”
“We want to work along with you in a conducive environment,” she concluded.
