Political Parties Sign 2026 Janjangbureh Peace Accord

By signing the renewed Janjangbureh Peace Accord, political parties in The Gambia have pledged to reject violence, intimidation and hate speech, promote political tolerance and safeguard peaceful, inclusive and credible elections ahead of the 5th December, 2026 presidential election.

Political party leaders and other key stakeholders yesterday signed the reviewed accord at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, reaffirming their collective commitment to maintaining peace and stability before, during and after the country’s forthcoming elections.

The signing ceremony brought together representatives of registered political parties, the Inter-Party Committee (IPC), the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), the United Nations, African Union, Ecowas, European Union, civil society organisations, religious leaders and members of the diplomatic corps.

In their commitments, political parties pledged to reject violence and intimidation in all forms, respect political differences, promote dialogue and reconciliation, and resolve electoral disputes through lawful and peaceful means.

They also committed to protecting the participation of women, young people and persons with disabilities, while safeguarding democratic institutions, respecting the rule of law and promoting transparency and accountability throughout the electoral process.

Speaking at the ceremony, representatives of the international community commended the IPC for its leadership in bringing political parties together and described the accord as an important demonstration of national ownership and collective responsibility.

The United Nations, EU, Ecowas and African Union representatives emphasised that the success of the accord would depend not merely on signatures but on the conduct of political leaders, candidates, campaign teams and their supporters.

The Ecowas head of mission in The Gambia, Namizata  Meite Sangare, stressed that the accord must be translated into concrete actions across the country, urging political parties to communicate its provisions to their candidates, local officials, polling agents and supporters.

A representative of the European Union, Raphael Brigandi, also reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting The Gambia’s democratic journey, including through electoral capacity-building initiatives and the deployment of an independent EU Election Observation Mission.

Meanwhile, the IPC co-chair Ejatou Jallow highlighted the committee’s historical role in promoting political dialogue, recalling that it emerged from political tensions in 2005 and was revitalised during the 2016 political crisis.

she described the IPC as a vital homegrown institution that enables political actors to resolve differences peacefully and strengthen democratic governance.

The 2026 accord also covers the 2027 National Assembly and local government elections, extending its commitments beyond the presidential polls.

Stakeholders called on all Gambians to take ownership of the peace process, stressing that national stability and democratic progress remain a shared responsibility.

The ceremony concluded with a renewed appeal for unity, tolerance and peaceful political participation under the spirit of one Gambia, one people and one nation.