European Union (EU) And West Africa Network For Peacebuilding (WANEP) Convene The“Voices For Peace Forum” Ahead Of The Upcoming Elections In The Gambia

(MENAFN- African Press Organization)
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From 2 until 4 September 2026, the European Union (EU) and the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) convened the Voices for Peace Forum: Analysing Concerns About Democracy and Upcoming Elections in The Gambia. The forum brought together key national and regional stakeholders to reflect on electoral risks and strengthen collective efforts towards peaceful, inclusive and credible elections in The Gambia.

The forum was part of ongoing efforts to support early warning, risk analysis and mitigation in the lead-up to The Gambia's 2026–2027 electoral cycle. The forum provided an inclusive platform for state institutions, election management bodies, security agencies, civil society, the media and regional actors to share concerns, analyse potential triggers of tension and violence, and identify practical measures to help safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.

Speaking at the opening of the forum, Raphaël Brigandi, Deputy Head of Mission of the European Union Delegation to The Gambia, said:

“The Gambia's is undergoing a significant democratic journey. The country has made important progress in consolidating its democratic space, encouraging civic participation and creating room for dialogue and reform. While The Gambia is establishing itself as a beacon of democracy in the region, these gains and status need continuous attention and should not be taken for granted.” He added:“Sustaining peace during elections is a shared responsibility and the EU's role as a partner is to support a nationally led process.”

In his goodwill message, Mr. Samuel Atuobi, Representative of the African Union, stressed the need for intelligence data gathering to ensure an adequate response. Reflecting on experiences from other West African countries, he underscored the importance of civil society focusing on the hidden, underlying issues that can trigger electoral violence, noting that regional and continental bodies can only act effectively when reliable and timely data is available.

Dr. David Tommy, the Chairman of the National Election Response Group (NERG) underscored that:

''Effective early warning and early response is a shared responsibility. No single institution can prevent electoral violence alone. It requires sustained collaboration and information-sharing among electoral management bodies, state institutions, security agencies, political parties, civil society, the media, traditional and religious leaders, women and youth organisations, development partners and regional institutions.''

In her welcoming remarks, Ms. Salama Njie, National Network Coordinator of WANEP-The Gambia, noted that:

''Democracy is not a static achievement. It is a continuous journey that requires constant nurturing, vigilance, and dialogue. Elections are the cornerstone of a democratic society, but they can also strain social cohesion if not managed with transparency, fairness, and mutual respect''

The forum generated practical and actionable recommendations contributing to reinforced partnerships, a stronger culture of dialogue, prevention and democratic resilience in The Gambia.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of European Union External Action: The Diplomatic Service of the European Union.

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