By Saidou S Baldeh
The Technical Working Group (TWG) on the design and composition of national infrastructure for peace in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has established two days training of TWG members on infrastructure for peace building mechanism.
Giving the opening remarks at the ceremony, Assan Tangara who spoke on behalf of the Interior Minister, said peace is fundamental to every development and insecurity somewhere is a threat to peace everywhere.
He said it’s obvious that 14p as a peace building mechanism is central to any meaningful development. “As such the orientation for TWG members for peace building initiatives is a vital mechanism to acquaint the members on the principles and application of mediation, dialogue, problem solving techniques required to reshape the human security trajectory/challenges of The Gambia,” he said.
He said the idea of selecting this multifaceted, vibrant, committed and dedicated TWG to coordinate and operationalize the establishment and effective functioning of the national peace infrastructure that would build our values and relations through conducive environment.
Mr Tangara added that members of the TWG need to know their roles and obligations toward peace-building interventions for socio-economic development, since our rights to have access to peace is what is between us and development as a nation.
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) representative in The Gambia Aissata De, said participatory, inclusive and gender focus approach to establishing 14p is significant to the public buy-in or acceptance. “This will indeed empower the citizens to take part in peace-building and development which no doubt will mitigate risks associated with violence and henceforth extend to peaceful co-existence.”
Other speakers included Salama Njie, the National Network Coordinator, Dr Jainaba Kah.
