In her address to the 76th United Nations General Assembly, The Gambian Vice President Her Excellency Dr Isatou Touray said The Gambia has continued to seek national reconciliation, to entrench its democracy and the consolidate the rule of law. She informed that the country is on the verge of organizing presidential election in December 2021 and legislative elections in 2022, and assured that no effort will be spared by the government in ensuring that these elections are held under free and fair conditions “as we march towards the next phase of our political transition”.
She said the elections will be held with the knowledge that the journey towards reform and transformation is in the area of good governance, transitional justice or the civil service and security sector reform is an ongoing one. She expressed gratitude to partners for continuing to accompany The Gambia in its sustaining peace building efforts.
On the matter of international development, the Vice President said development within the international community continues to be a matter of concern to her delegation. “On Palestine we must always remember that peace and security in Palestine and Israel mean peace and security for the middle East region and the world at large”.
She went on: “It is therefore imperative for the international community to encourage genuine dialogue with a view to ending the deadlock. We must intensify efforts to bring both sides of the conflict to the negotiating table”. Dr Touray said use of force and violence will only add to the suffering of the people living in the area.
“We continue to be deeply traumatized by the negative consequences of this conflict and cannot continue to ignore the humanitarian catastrophe that goes with it,” she pointed out.
VP further remarked: “It is our strong view that peaceful coexistence is the only viable way forward. Therefore, ending occupation, impunity, upholding international law, lifting of blockade on the Gaza Strip, addressing the dire humanitarian and refugee crisis and having an independent Palestinian State with East Jerusalem as its capital should be urgently pursued by all and sundry. A new peace and political process must be launched by the Quartet”.
On the plight of the Muslims, she reminded the Assembly that their situation has not improved since their last meeting in August 2020. She assured of The Gambia’s commitment to continue to pursue the case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) till the victims of the atrocious crimes receive justice. She called on the international community not to relent in its quest for accountability in alleviating the dire circumstances of the Rohingya victim communities.
The Gambia, she stated believes in friendly relations between states as the bedrock of international solidarity and cooperation. Therefore the Vice President called on the United States to end the embargo against Cuba and pursue meaningful cooperation with its government and people.