SRSG for West Africa promotes prosperous, democratic Gambia

The UN in The Gambia is committed to helping the country build a prosperous, democratic, and inclusive country. That was the message from Mr. Mahamat Saleh Annadif, the United Nations official in charge of monitoring political developments and facilitating efforts to consolidate peace and democratic governance to improve the lives of people in West Africa.

On January 18, 2022, Ms. Seraphine Wakana, the UN Resident Coordinator in The Gambia, welcomed the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (SRSG) for West Africa and the Sahel to Africa's smiling coast. Mr. Annadif was in the country to reaffirm the United Nations commitment to peace and inter-party cooperation and attend President Adama Barrow's inauguration.

The SRSG met with several presidential hopefuls during his two-day visit. In the company of the UN Resident Coordinator in The Gambia, Mr. Annadif met with Mr. Ousainou Darboe, leader of the United Democratic Party, Hon. Mama Kandeh, leader of the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), and Hon. Halifa Sallah, Secretary General of the People’s Democratic Organization for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS).

Mr. Mahamat Saleh Annadif emphasized the crucial role of The Gambia's political leaders in preserving peace and stability while promoting the country's embryonic democracy.

The SRSG lauded all presidential candidates for their contributions to the country's democratic space and freedom. "While several countries in the region have had political difficulties," the SRSG said, "countries such as The Gambia and Cape Verde serve as good models of democratic consolidation."

He applauded the integrity of candidates who are unhappy with the results of the 2021 presidential election, saying that they are disputing the results in a way that promotes peace and strengthens the rule of law. “The West African region needs many more good examples of democratic consolidation”, the SRSG said.

The UN Resident Coordinator reiterated the SRSG's message, assuring political leaders of the UN commitment to advancing democracy and reforms to ensure The Gambia's peace and stability. "The UN is here to assist you in consolidating democracy and reforms by strengthening institutions that will ensure The Gambia preserves peace and stability," Ms. Seraphine Wakana added.