Press Release
Brufut Marathon Committee based in Brufut, Kombo North, West Coast Region, on Friday 10th March, signed a partnership agreement with the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission.
The partnership is aimed at ensuring that the commemoration of April 10 and 11 is given a wider coverage and that Gambians are involved.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Musu Ba Koto Saho, Deputy Executive Secretary of the TRRC said the partnership is not only important to victims of April 10/11 2000 but their families as well.
She added that this would enable them to realize that they are part of the TRRC process. She noted that the TRRC is one of the components of the Transitional Justice Process.
She finally thanked BMR for the partnership and encouraged them to keep up the good work. Mariama Joof, Chairperson of Brufut Marathon Run, revealed that this year’s theme for the run is “Justice and Reconciliation.”
She said the association sponsored students in their community and provide some support to the Brufut Health Centre; adding that the association was established twenty five years ago. She therefore thanked the TRRC for accepting the partnership.
Mr. Ba S. Jabbi, a board member, recalled that the association was established to help members of the community to venture in Agriculture to alleviate poverty, provide support to women and children as well.
However, he said they have widened their tentacles through sports, noting that the marathon would be used to amplify the April 2000 student protest that led to the death of a number of students, and the “Never Again Campaign” of the TRRC.
He said their partnership with the TRRC is relevant for the fact that it is in line with the TRRC work on youth empowerment.
Mr. Ebou Faye Njie, Victim Support Unit coordinator at the TRRC applauded TRRC’s partnership with BMR adding that the marathon run is not only going to be about physical fitness or improve health conditions but also to remember the April 10 victims.
He finally thanked Alieu Senghore, a Victim Support Officer and survivor of April 10 for the initiative, Communications and Outreached and the leadership of the TRRC for the immense support and collaboration.
Musu Ba Koto Sawo and Mariama Joof signed the agreement n behalf of TRRC and BMR respectively. Mr. Essa Jallow, Communication Specialist chaired the ceremony.
To ensure that the commemoration is given a wider coverage and that Gambians are involved, TRRC approached Brufut Marathon for a partnership in the organization of the event.
Brufut Marathon is known for organizing an annual marathon at their village with the objective of complimenting their local development initiatives.
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