President Barrow has returned from the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, where he received his award as Africa’s most outstanding leader in peace promotion, otherwise known as Africa Peace Prize.
In his acceptance speech, having expressed honour and thanks for the Award, the Gambian leader had this to say: “ I must confess that I have accepted the 2024 African Prize For Peace with humility and a deep sense of gratitude. The award may be in recognition of my humble efforts but, certainly, it also signifies the resilience and commitment of Gambians and our African brothers and sisters to peace promotion, stability, and human dignity”.
The occasion, he said, “is symbolic of our shared dedication to peace and unity across the diverse and vibrant African continent”.
He extended heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, the President of Mauritania, for generously hosting the event.
He went on to remark that regardless of the conflicts and suffering across the globe, Africa continues to rise and develop. This resilience, he noted demonstrates its unyielding resolve to pursue a durable path to harmony and mutual understanding.
“Although our history is loaded with challenges, the natural African spirit in us, driven by the ideals of unity and cooperation, remains our guiding light. Consequently, this prestigious peace award is not a mere recognition of efforts but a reminder that the quest for peace is a never-ending venture. It is a journey begun with the sacrifices of our ancestors and sustained by us to ensure a prosperous future for all generations”.
Further on the value of peace in Africa, The Gambia President opined that for our survival and progress, cultivating a culture of peace is essentially accorded special prominence on our global agenda. Peace in this context goes beyond the absence of conflict, he observed; that it also embodies the process of fostering understanding, mutual respect, and collaboration among communities and nations.
“My leadership experience has revealed to me the profound impact of sustained peace on a nation. Peace stands out clearly as the bedrock upon which society can heal, economies can thrive, and individuals can access opportunities and enjoy their rights to live happily. Put differently, peace is the cornerstone for a world that upholds human dignity, celebrates diversity, and empowers people to realise their full potential”.
He posited that the pursuit of a culture of peace is both a collective and an individual endeavour; that it requires policies that directly tackle the root causes of conflict; including poverty, inequality, and injustice. This realisation, he stated, makes it necessary to free all those whose voices are suppressed, especially the advocates of human rights and human dignity.
“In Africa, peace-building calls for addressing emerging threats, such as election-related violence, unregulated migration, abuse of new technologies, and systemic corruption. To succeed, as we engage in constructive dialogue and collaboration, we must remember that it is only through collective action that a truly peaceful world order can be established,” he remarked.
President Barrow on the efforts back home, indicated that in pursuing the transformation and development agenda in The Gambia, a major focus of our 2018-2021 National Development Plan was to restore and sustain peace and stability through suitable institutional building and people-centred development approaches.
“Furthermore, establishing a Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparation Commission and implementing its recommendations to heal the nation, reforming our Security Sector, and liberating public space for responsible media participation and freedom of expression are important aspects of our peace-building story”.
added: “Constituting a National Human Rights Commission to monitor threats to human rights and addressing them through dialogue, as well as respect for the rule of law and independence of the Judiciary amply demonstrate my government’s commitment to peace, security, and justice”.
The President went on to postulate that inter-linked with the narratives of other African nations, The Gambia’s story remains one of hope and relentless efforts. “From nurturing democracy to advocating human rights and fostering economic cooperation, our strides towards peace are steps towards a greater and more united Africa”.
