A program manager for National Council for Civic Education (NCCE), Yusupha Bojang, has offered the bleak assessment The Gambia is at risk of civil strife with the increasing exposure of political and tribal fault-lines.
Mr. Bojang’s comments, according to The Point newspaper, were made in Kwinella in the course of a 10-day nationwide civil dialogue outreach with local and traditional authorities on the participation of women and youth in decision-making and peace building.
He admonished: “The Gambia is deeply divided by politics, tribalism and other issues. Such has the potential to cause conflict.
It is important for us to meet people and sensitise them on the dangers associated with conflict as we are approaching an election year. In most cases elderly people are involved in decision making processes and peace building, leaving out young people.
The population comprises of more women and youth, but they are usually sidelined. Youth participation is very important if we want to attain sustainable peace and development. People should be mindful and understand that as citizens we have different thoughts and opinions but that is the importance of diversity. People should nurture peaceful conversations that will break barriers and ensure unity among us”.