By Aja Beyai
On Thursday, FANTANKA convened a two-day Stakeholder Dialogue at the Baobab Hotel in Bijilo, which was themed “Managing the Youth Demographic in Post-Transitional Justice Gambia.” The event was organized under the UNDP-funded post-Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC) project to address pressing issues surrounding youth engagement, security, and Reconciliation in the wake of The Gambia’s transitional justice efforts.
The dialogue comes at a critical juncture, reflecting on the tragic events of April 10th and 11th, 2000, when student protests against systemic injustices turned deadly, claiming lives and leaving many injured. These events continue to cast a long shadow over youth-security relations, which remain strained due to historical abuses and ongoing challenges. The dialogue provided a platform to examine lessons from the past while fostering actionable solutions to improve state-youth engagement, prevent violence, and promote youth agency in shaping The Gambia’s future.
Awa Dacosta, FANTANKA’s Program Coordinator, opened the event by underscoring the organization’s commitment to implementing TRRC recommendations. “This dialogue is a step toward ensuring Gambian youth are central to the nation’s healing and progress,” Dacosta said, welcoming diverse stakeholders, including youth representatives, policymakers, security officials, and civil society leaders.
Awa Dacosta, FANTANKA’s Program Coordinator, speaking at the opening ceremony
The event featured a rich agenda, including storytelling sessions, psychoeducational workshops, expert-led discussions on gendered youth experiences, security sector reforms, mental health, digital organizing, and the distinct challenges urban and rural youth face. A highlight was the screening of the film ‘Living with Scars,’ which sparked robust discussions on the emotional and societal impacts of past injustices. Over the two days, participants critically reflected on their experiences, generating recommendations to foster a more inclusive and just environment for Gambian youth.
Mr. Abdoulie O Bah, representing the National Youth Parliament, delivered a compelling address on the need for youth representation in transitional justice processes. Reflecting on the legacy of student organizations like the Gambia Student Union (Gamsu) and the National Patriotic Students Association (NAPSA), Bah noted their historical role in advocating for students’ rights. However, he highlighted a critical gap: “These organizations have become inactive, leaving young people without a unified voice. Now is the time for students and youth to organize and ensure their rights and interests are protected, especially in constitutional reforms and transitional justice.”
Bah called for the establishment of a new representative body to advocate for the needs of young people, urging students and educators to collaborate. His remarks resonated with attendees, who recognized the urgency of empowering youth to influence policies that affect their lives.
The dialogue also addressed the complexities of youth-security relations, exploring ways to rebuild trust between young people and state institutions. Discussions on security sector reforms emphasized accountability and transparency, while sessions on mental health highlighted the need for psychosocial support to address the lingering trauma from past abuses. Digital organizing was another focal point, with participants examining how technology can amplify youth voices and foster grassroots movements.
FANTANKA’s initiative marks a significant step toward inclusive governance in The Gambia. The dialogue fostered collaboration by bringing together diverse stakeholders and laid the groundwork for practical recommendations to strengthen youth participation in nation-building. As The Gambia navigates its post-TRRC era, such platforms are vital for ensuring that young people, who form a significant portion of the population, are heard and actively shape the country’s future.
The Stakeholder Dialogue concluded with a renewed commitment to youth empowerment and Reconciliation. Participants left with a shared vision of the Gambia, where young people are equipped to advocate for their rights, contribute to justice processes and drive sustainable change. Dacosta noted in her closing remarks, “The youth are not just the future; they are the present. Their voices must guide us toward a more just and equitable society.”
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