Statement by the UN Resident Coordinator for The Gambia, Mrs. Seraphine Wakana, on the release by the Government of The Gambia of its White Paper.

Statement by the UN Resident Coordinator for The Gambia, Mrs. Seraphine Wakana, on the release by the Government of The Gambia of its White Paper on the recommendations of the Truth, Reconciliation & Reparations Commission (TRRC)

The United Nations Country Team in The Gambia warmly welcomes today’s release by the Government of a White Paper outlining the approach it will take to implement the recommendations of the Truth, Reconciliation & Reparations Commission (TRRC) with particular attention to addressing SGBV and identifying the whereabouts of enforced disappearances. The white paper was released at a ceremony held at Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre on the 25th of May 2022. 

We heartily congratulate the Government, the TRRC, Gambian civil society and all other stakeholders and development partners who contributed to reaching this major milestone in The Gambia’s Transitional Justice process.

The UN has been a staunch supporter of the TRRC process from the outset, illustrated by the presentation of a special award to the United Nations Development Programme, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the UN Peacebuilding Fund by the TRRC in 2021. 

As the Government and the people of The Gambia prepare to move forward with implementing the TRRC’s recommendations in line with the just-released White paper, the UN will remain a steadfast partner in supporting actions to promote justice, reparations, reconciliation, and national healing, all of which are essential for the achievement of the SDGs. 

We particularly welcome the Government’s intention to create a Peace and Reconciliation Commission with the mandate of promoting peace and reconciliation and fostering social cohesion.  Such an institution would provide an invaluable anchor for the country’s national peace infrastructure. 

On Africa Day 2022, The Gambia, through its commitment to peace, has provided hope to an entire continent.  The UN is proud to have played a supporting role in getting to where the nation is today, and pledges to continue to support the Government and people of The Gambia in the important work that has now begun.