Clerk, National Youth Parliament
NATIONAL YOUTH PARLIAMENT – THE GAMBIA
17th March 2021.
STATEMENT ON THE RECENT INCIDENT IN SANYANG VILLAGE
The National Youth Parliament (NYP)-The Gambia is concerned and disturbed by the recent violence that engulfed Sanyang village. The incident which happened on 15th March, 2021, resulted in loss of life and valuable properties; and over 20 people have been injured according to media reports.
The National Youth Parliament-The Gambia wishes to extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and expresses solidarity with all those who have been affected.
The youth parliament further enjoins on the people of Sanyang, especially the young people to exercise restraint and avoid taking the law into their hands. Accordingly, the youth parliament implores on the young people to be agents of peace – preach the message of peace – and demonstrate tolerance at all times.
The youth parliament also calls on the government to listen to the cries of the people of Sanyang and beyond and act accordingly to avoid recurrence. Addressing a problem requires conducting a root cause analysis of it. Injustice, marginalization, exclusion, corruption, exploitation etc are drivers of conflict. To build and consolidate peace, the well-being and welfare of the people; democracy and good governance as well as social justice must be promoted. We therefore call for swift investigation into the incident.
Furthermore, we call on the Government of The Gambia and the community of Sanyang to amicably work together with a view to finding solutions to the underlying challenges the community is faced with.
Incidents of this nature will only weaken our peace, tear apart our social fabric and slow development efforts, thus, we should work together and address grievances in a non-violent way. We plead with you all to allow the law to take its rightful position.
In the service of the young people of The Gambia we remain. Signed
……………………
Hon. Tijan Kuyateh
Clerk, National Youth Parliament – The Gambia.