Banjul, 6 December 2021(TDI): UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres called for credible and transparent elections in Gambia. António Guterres in a statement released by his spokesperson called for a peaceful and inclusive election environment along with ensure a credible and transparent election process.
According to sources, there are six candidates in the race. President of Gambia, Adama Barrow, the incumbent defeated former President of Gambia, Yahya Jammeh who had been in power for over 20 years, in 2016.
Initially, Yahya Jammeh refused to step down. It resulted in a constitutional crisis. however, he eventually facilitated an orderly transfer of power. The UN and other partners commended his “goodwill and statesmanship”.
Annadif Khatir Mahamat Saleh Visit to Gambia
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, Annadif Khatir Mahamat Saleh, Visited Gambia. This was part of the preparations for the elections. During the three-day visit, Saleh met election observers along with the civil society organizations and the UN country team. He also acts as the head of the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS). Saleh was accompanied by the Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee.
Reparations Commission
Guterres in his statement also welcomed the completion of the work of the Gambian “Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission” (TRRC).
“The Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission” (TRRC) is a truth commission in Gambia to investigate the Yahya Jammeh era from 1994 to 2017. The commission submitted its final report to the president of the republic on 25 November.
The Secretary-General commended the Commission for its “tireless work”. He urged the Government to ensure “speedy follow-up action” on the recommendations contained in the report. Antonio Guterres assured the support of the United Nations for Gambia. Moreover, he concluded that United Nations is a staunch partner in the transitional justice process in Gambia.
In a concluding statement, he mentioned that the UN will continue efforts for the full implementation of the Commission’s recommendations to ensure justice.
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