UNOWAS E-Magazine N3 Quarterly E-Magazine of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel l Together for Peace

IN THIS ISSUE Focus The G5 Sahel and UNOWAS review , a peaceful change their roadmap After more than two decades of an authoritarian regime, in a landmark election on 1 December 2016, the Gambians queued patiently and peacefully to express their aspirations for change...Read more P.5

Meeting G5 Sahel - UNOWAS, Nouakchott, 6 March 2017.

The two-year cooperation between the G5 Sa- hel (Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Mali, Chad and Niger) and the United Nations is a testimony to the willingness of both organizations to work together to addressing the challenges that hamper the development...Read more P.17

The SRSG Ibn Chambas meet with the Presidents of , Sierra Leone, and Liberia about the situation in the Gambia. CNMC continues its work to 13 Dec 2016 in complete border demarcation Editorial From preventive diplomacy to peaceful political transition in the Gambia By Mohamed Ibn Chambas Meeting of the Head of Delegation CNMC, 8 March 2017 in Yaoundé est Africa has development can only be achieved witnessed a through a new political culture As part of the implementation of the Cameroon- series of peaceful based on good governance and Nigeria Mixed Commission (CNMC), the two de- presidential and the respect of rights. legations met in Yaoundé, Cameroon, to discuss legislative elections, held in the work progress...Read more P.19 W accordance with the democratic Undoubtedly, there is still some Interview standards and principles way to go. But no one can deny or underestimate the progress Nana Ato Dadzie, Expert in Political recognized by the , ECOWAS and the United Nations. made in the upholding of transition electoral processes and political “Our mission in The Gambia is to Definitively breaking with non- change that West Africa has just identify the bottlenecks to smooth democratic practices domina- experienced. transition” P.8 ted by the alternation of coups d’etat and unlimited monopoly From Nigeria to the Gambia via Benin and Ghana - to mention just Reportages of power, Africa, and in particular West Africa, has moved serenely a few examples - African leaders As Gambia crisis passes, displaced and resolutely towards political and citizens have demonstrated return from P.10 change based on the rules and great political maturity and a principles of free elections that strong sense of responsibility #FreePress for a #NewGambia: that must be welcomed and UNESCO and EU bring tools of the guarantee the choice of the peo- ple. supported. trade to media in The Gambia P.12 It is a political reality dictated by Apart from some minor incidents Portrait an awareness of Africans-citizens between supporters of the various candidates, the last ten elections SALIEU TALL, Gambia Has Decided as leaders, that the objective of in the West Africa region were UNOWAS E-magazine - №3 March 2017 1 P.16 ...Page 3 United Nations Office for West Afria and the Sahel

limit

of the conflicts

spread peaceful

SUPPORT states and of

regional actors tensions

resolution

dialogue PREVENTIVE

analysis

encourage DIPLOMACY

conflict action

planning and supporting the work

of peace

m atic d iplo

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UNOWAS promotes dialogue among stakeholders with a view to build consensus to unblock disagreements through multiple good offices missions and support to regional organizations such as ECOWAS, MRU and other regional partners.

2 UNOWAS E-magazine - №3 March 2017 Infographies ...Editorial The Gambia political change in 14 key dates P.6 held peacefully and without any violence. The example of the Gambia is in this sense significant. For a Preventive Diplomacy in country that has been under autocratic rule for more than UNOWAS mandate P.23 two decades, there has been little room for maneuver for peaceful political change. Who would have thought that elections could be held freely? That the electoral commission could be independent and To read allow itself to announce results confirming the eviction of the power in place? And finally, who could have foreseen that the Gambians would peacefully vote and wait with a great sense of responsibility for the first results and the end of the political crisis brought about by ’s reversal and his rejection of the announcement by the Independent Electoral Commission confirming the candidate of the opposition coalition, , as the third elected ? This political maturity and sense of responsibility represent the foundation of the regional preventive diplomacy that eased the departure of former President Jammeh and allowed a peaceful resolution of the crisis. The joint ECOWAS-UA-UN mediation dispatched to Banjul in the aftermath of Jammeh’s refusal to leave power The Lake Chad Basin is grappling testifies to the willingness of the countries in the region with a complex humanitarian and of the regional organizations to ensure that the legal emergency affecting some 17 framework for peaceful political alternations is scrupulously million people across north-eastern respected. It also testifies to the determination of the Nigeria, Cameroon’s Far North, regional organizations to appropriate problems and western Chad and south-east Niger. solutions in a preventive approach with the objective to safeguard peace and stability in the region. The combined impact of deepening insecurity, rapid population growth The personal involvement of the presidents of Senegal, Learn more: http://bit.ly/2g6iKKg Liberia, Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Mauritania and Guinea during the crisis illustrates the engagement of African leaders to do everything possible to prevent another conflict, and to maintain the region in a dynamic Follow us on: peaceful change.

unowas.unmissions.org The departure without violence of Yahya Jammeh and the twitter.com/UN_UNOWAS inauguration of Adama Barrow is a success of the regional facebook.com/UNOWAS preventive diplomacy. It is also the fruit of the exemplary attitude of Gambians. flickr.com/UNOWAS But this success of regional preventive diplomacy can only UNOWAS Quarterly online E-Magazine informs be complete and effective if The Gambia is committed you about UNOWAS activities. It is designed and to pursuing the process of political change by abiding by prepared by the Office of Communications and Public Information. democratic principles. For more information on the content, please write to: [email protected] The decision of the new President Adama Barrow to set up

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UNOWAS E-magazine - №3 March 2017 3 They have said a joint transition team composed of members of the former administration and of the new one is a strong signal of the new authorities’ commitment to the democratic process. The international community who was mobilized during the post-election crisis to assert the rule of law and the constitution must now provide the necessary support to consolidate the political change in The Gambia and to accompany the Gambians in their aspiration for development. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President ECOWAS For this reason, the United Nations Office for West “We applaud the people of the Gambia Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), in the wake of President Barrow’s return to Banjul, has sent an for their strong commitment and ardent expert in political transition to support the incoming desire to pursue democratic objectives and outgoing administrations, to have a serene as was demonstrated recently during the transition, and ensure a peaceful change of power. general and presidential elections” In the coming days, the joint transition team will Learn more report to President Adama Barrow. This will mark the end of the transition period and launch a new era of political alternation. But the latter cannot constitute an end in itself as political, economic and social challenges are multiple and require a strong political engagement from the new authorities. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma: AU In a country where 60% of the population lives in poverty, where one third has to live do with less The transition is significant in that it is than $ 1.25 a day, where there is a widening budget the first peaceful transfer of power in the deficit that reaches 7% of GDP in 2016, the priority Islamic Republic of The Gambia since the of new Gambian government will be undoubtedly country’s independence in 1965. to put in place economic recovery plans and launch structural reforms. The legislative elections Learn more scheduled for April 6 will be a real test for the ruling coalition. Regional preventive diplomacy was crucial to safeguard the will of the Gambian people as expressed in the ballot box, and to strengthen peace in a region that needs it. Peaceful political transition is fundamental to consolidate the gains of political alternation through free elections. The United Nations, and particularly UNOWAS - Jeffrey Feltman, USG for Political Affairs in coordination with regional organizations, will The transition in the Gambia is “a very continue to support the Gambia in this important phase of its history. clear case of prevention,” in which the Economic Community of West African Mohamed Ibn Chambas States (ECOWAS), the African Union (AU) Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary- and the UN were “all united behind the General and Head of the UN Office for West Africa and the will of Gambian people.” Sahel Learn more

4 UNOWAS E-magazine - №3 March 2017 Focus The Gambia, a peaceful change In a landmark election on 1 December 2016, the Gambians queued patiently and peacefully to express their aspirations for change. Mr Adama Barrow was elected President of the Gambia.

Supporters wave Gambian’s national flags as they cheer during the inauguration ceremony for the start of Gambian President Adama Barrow’s presidency at the Independence Stadium in Bakau, west of the capital Banjul, on February 18, 2017. AFP PHOTO / SEYLLOU

A historical day dential candidate of a coalition of and came out with a strong collec- seven opposition parties who uni- tive message. In a landmark election on 1 De- ted for the first time in Gambia’s cember and after more than two history to confront long-time ruler Several ECOWAS mediation mis- decades of an authoritarian regi- President Yahya Jammeh. sions, with the involvement of Pre- me, the Gambians fare expressed sidents Buhari of Nigeria, Sirleaf their aspiration for change though However, what was applauded by Johnson of Liberia and Chairper- an historical vote that put an end the international community as a son of ECOWAS, Koroma of Sierra to Jammeh tenure. significant example of a peaceful Leone and Dramani of Ghana, change of power in Africa became, subsequently engaged President Yahya Jammeh’s who came to suddenly, a political crisis due to Jammeh and maintained dialogue power in a coup in 1994, was at the refusal by Yahya Jammeh to with other Gambian stakeholders. first associated with a moderni- step down, even though he had While logistic, legal, financial, and zation drive and expansion of in- initially conceded defeat, but la- other preparations for a possible frastructure, but later became in- ter changed his mind, seemingly military intervention were un- creasingly erratic and associated intending to stay in power at all der way, carefully choreographed to forced disappearances, restric- cost. messages by the international tions of freedom of expression, community kept mounting pressu- and repression of dissent. After a Regional preventive diplomacy re on the regime, triggering multi- peaceful demonstration in April What happened after the decla- ple defections of civil servants and 2016 demanding changes to the Gambia’s Ambassadors abroad. electoral laws, two opposition ration of the election results on 2 executives died in police custody, December may well be the mate- The moment Adama Barrow was which President Jammeh said was rial of future textbooks on preven- sworn in on 18 January as the “normal”. tive diplomacy. Jammeh’s U-turn third President of the Republic of not to recognize the results was the Gambia in the embassy of the In a historical day marking the met with a strong condemnation Gambia in neighboring , Se- announcement of the results of by regional and international par- negal, he was simultaneously ack- the Presidential election, Adama tners. At their regular summit in nowledged by major actors, while Barrow of the United Democratic Abuja in mid- December 2016, the European Union announced Party was declared winner by the ECOWAS heads of state unequi- the imminent resumption of sup- Independent Election Commission vocally committed themselves to port to The Gambia, which had on 2 December 2016 as the presi- an orderly and peaceful transition, been suspended due to concerns

UNOWAS E-magazine - №3 March 2017 5 of the country. He also offered the UN support in the area of voters ‘education to prepare the parlia- mentary elections scheduled for 6 April. The United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) played also a significant role in fa- cilitating the establishment of the Joint Transition Team through the Former President Yahya Jammeh surounded by Presidents Sirleaf, Buhari, Koroma and Mahama during the joint ECOWAS-AU-UN mission support of its Senior Expert in ma- to Banjul to resolve the crisis. 13 Dec 2016. nagement of transitions who was deployed to Banjul since mid-Ja- over human rights violations. and coordination of the United nuary to assist and guide the new Nations, all pulling in the same and the former administration The same day, the ECOWAS mili- direction. Moreover, it underlines coordinate a peaceful transfer of tary operation was suspended, to the importance of the role of re- power. give way to last-minute mediation gional preventive diplomacy, and efforts led by the Presidents of Gui- how democracy has come of age On 15 February, President Adama nea and Mauritania, and suppor- in West Africa since the transition Barrow officially launched the ted by the Special Representative to multi-party systems in the early Joint Transition Team which will be of the United Nations Secretary- 90ies and subsequent conflicts responsible of ensuring a smooth General, Mohamed Ibn Chambas, over resources and participation. transfer of power as well as an in- who had played a key coordinating It shows the strength of West Afri- clusive transition that will conso- role throughout the crisis. ca’s collective institutions, enshri- lidate peace between Gambian On 21 January, following a joint ned in ECOWAS’ Protocol on De- people. ECOWAS – AU – UN Declara- mocracy and Good Governance. During the launching ceremony tion, former President Jammeh As a matter of fact, the Gambian of the Joint Transition Team, Pre- addressed the nation on TV an- election comes at the end of- cy sident Adama Barrow stressed nouncing that he had decided cle of ten successful elections in his commitment to the principle to “relinquish the mantle of lea- West Africa, where, despite flaws, of continuity of governance, the dership”, and soon after left Banjul congratulating the winner, as in need to initiate institutional and with his entourage for Equatorial Nigeria, Benin, Cabo Verde, and constitutional reforms in order to Guinea. Five days later on 26 Ja- elsewhere, seems to be becoming build durable and independent nuary, Barrow returned to Banjul the new norm. institutions. He also pointed out from Dakar, where dignitaries and UN support for a peaceful politi- that the transition was not inten- officials welcomed him on the tar- cal transition ded as an inquisition, but rather mac. His convoy to town was met a salutary operation aimed at col- with thousands of jubilating sup- Through its regional office, -UNO lecting facts that will inform the porters, many of whom wearing WAS, the UN has continuously de- policy-making. the #GambiaHasDecided t-shirts monstrated its determination to which just a week before were support The Gambia laying out a For their part, former ministers in- banned by the outgoing regime. strategic vision and plan for mo- cluding the former Vice-President ving the country forward. who are members of the Joint The nonviolent transition is all the Transition Team, assured the new more remarkable as not a single The Under-Secretary-General for government of their full coopera- fatality had been recorded. While Political Affairs, Jeffrey Feltman, tion and readiness to achieve the insisting on their democratic rights, who met recently with the new transition process. throughout the process, Gam- President of The Gambia (date), bians displayed their well-known Adama Barrow, in Banjul, com- The Joint Transition Team is expec- commitment to peace. Its success mended Gambians for their com- ted to submit in the coming days also gives testament to the deter- mitment to achieve a peaceful its report to President Barrow mination of international and re- transition and for transcending which will mark the end of the gional partners, with the support individual interests for the benefit transition period.

6 UNOWAS E-magazine - №3 March 2017 1st December 2016

6th December 2016 9th December 2016

20th January 2017 21st January 2017

18th February 2017

UNOWAS E-magazine - №3 March 2017 7 Interview Nana Ato Dadzie: “Our mission in The Gambia is to identify the bottlenecks to smooth transition” All over Africa there is a great attention and investment in the electoral process but unfortunately little attention is focused on the transition process, says Mr. Nana Ato Dadzie, expert in political transition, who is currently in Banjul as part of the UNOWAS support to ensure a peaceful political transition in The Gambia. mandate? Records indicate both incoming and exiting presidents set up pa- rallel transition teams to facili- tate transfer of power. Why did this process fail? What created opportunity for the ex-President to belatedly recant his voluntary concession of defeat. Our mission in The Gambia among others, is to identify the bottlenecks to smooth transition in The Gambia transition Nana Ato Dadzie: UN Senior consultant on political transition 2016 and among other things:

1) Concretely what is the role of are better managed , orderly and a) to assist to salvage the botched an expert in political transition? peaceful to avert breakdown of transitional process and put it back the process which invariably leads on track. An expert in political transition to threats of or violence . assist and facilitate a country in b) to assist the people of The delivering a peaceful and orderly All over Africa there is a Gambia lay a more solid founda- transfer of political power from tion for peaceful and orderly ma- one democratically elected Pre- great attention and in- nagement of future transitions . sident/Government to another vestment in the electoral 3) What are the challenges you fa- democratically elected President/ process but unfortuna- ced with interacting with the new government. tely little attention is fo- and former administrators? All over Africa there is a great at- cused on the transition A basket full. Transitions are gene- tention and investment in the process. rally bridges which normally come electoral process but unfortuna- into been between election and tely little attention is focused on 2) Tell us about your role as expert assumption of office by the new the transition process. in transition in The Gambia. President. In Gambia, we came in when the tenure of the previous Records of post - electoral violen- The Gambia reflects a typical case President had run out. After the ce in Africa, tend to indicate that of failure of a transition process. majority revolve around transition new President had assumed of- issues arising from absence, no- Having unconditionally accepted fice. defeat at the 01 December 2016 velty, paucity of administrative/ The former President had in fact, Presidential polls on 02 December institutional /legal framework for moved into exile and was out of 2016, the next constitutional step managing transition. See Ivory the Jurisdiction. Coast etc for ex-President Jammeh was the transfer of power to the winner, Unavailable to properly hand The expert’s work is to assist iden- Mr Adama Barrow. over. tify, classify, and make recommen- dations to the appropriate autho- What went wrong? What admi- His government had indeed, col- rities, to remedy the weaknesses nistrative/institutional /legal fra- lapsed through resignations, dis- so established to ensure that the mework existed to ensure com- missals and abandonment even present and future transitions pliance with this constitutional before he left the jurisdiction.

8 UNOWAS E-magazine - №3 March 2017 Many Former Ministers had also gagement and the prevailing secu- of the work of the joint transition left the country. In any case, many rity atmosphere was significant. team , of the Ministers believed they had no obligation nor felt constrained, The Joint Transition Team inaugu- President Barrow ‘s ad- ration by H. E President Barrow compelled or obliged to submit to ministration should now any belated formal handing over himself, his inspiring leadership process. message and a group picture of have sufficient space to HE the President with both for- operate and deliver its The fragile security situation, days mer President Jammeh’s Ministers after the assumption of office and and the current Ministers of State avowed catalogue of de- return of the new President in The went viral. mocratic reforms. Gambia presented its own chal- lenges to the old Ministers and ap- The leadership advocacy role 5) How do you envisage the post pointees. played by the 2 Co-chairpersons -transition period evolving ? (the former Vice-President and Numerous behind the scenes the then current Vice -President The inauguration of the Joint consultations and assurances with of The Gambia, Madam Fatouma- Transition Team and the publicity the assistance of UN /UNDP office ta Tambanjang) provided a huge it provided created substantial in The Gambia ultimately greatly platform for dialogue and healing public excitement reverberating facilitated the readiness of the among the national leaders at the with call for national unity, peace former appointees to submit to plenary meeting. and reconciliation and avoidance this process of accountability; to of undue acrimony between op- deepen peace and stability and to The leadership advocacy posing political parties to ensure normalcy in the State. restore the country to rapid nor- role played by the 2 Co- malcy. chairpersons provided a The rapid return to near normalcy is among other factors must have The late announcement of Ministe- huge platform for dialo- rial and other new appointments, contributed to the scaling down coupled with the fact that except gue and healing among of the Ecomig Troops from 7000 for 2 of the new Ministers and ap- the national leaders at strong soldiers to 500. pointees, the rest were rank novi- the plenary meeting. President Barrow ‘s administra- ces in public administration plat- tion should now have sufficient form, heightened our challenge. This process ultimately broke down space to operate and deliver its fears and suspicions and gave as- Once appointed new administra- avowed catalogue of democratic surances of safety and security reforms. tors however showed immense to the ex-officials and indeed, all interest in quickly learning the ro- Gambians. In the medium term, the expert pes. advocates a National Conference The Joint Transition Team opera- to mobilize national consensus on A weakened, inefficient and over tions has created greater aware- politicized civil service, eliminated the setting up of an institutional / ness in the national leaders of the administrative/legal framework our last ballast and resource that possibility of political alternation could have assisted in our engage- involving the creation of an- Of and transitions and the need for fice of Administrator -General, to ment with the old and new minis- adequate preparation of a legal ters and administrators. better manage future transitions framework and institutional /ad- and make them more orderly and 4) The Joint Transition Team has ministrative structures to better peaceful. been established, what is so far manage transitions in the future. The Conference is to ensure the your assessment of the work ac- Slow Collation of data ; instabi- complished? creation of a national awareness lity in staff placement in the civil and consciousness of the need That we could ultimately muster service ; unavailability of some for this critical stability bridge 17 out of 19 former Ministers and key administrative staff at post ; between election and the assump- other ex-appointees and the for- absence of records and mecha- tion of office of a New President/ mer -Vice President back to the nism for tracking records remains government. conference room after their disen- a challenge for the completion

UNOWAS E-magazine - №3 March 2017 9 Reportage As Gambia crisis passes, displaced return from Senegal Several thousand people have returned to the Gambia since ex-president Yahya Jammeh ceded power.

People started to return to The Gambia as soon as they heard the news that Yahya Jammeh had left the country UNHCR / Helene Caux

INGUINCHOR, SENEGAL region as Jammeh refused to ac- ple have opened their homes for (UNHCR) – John* could cept the results of the December us, we stayed with a family we did not hide the relief on his 1 presidential election, which was not even know. They have been face as he waited with won by opposition leader Adama very, very nice.” hisZ wife and children for a bus at Barrow. This sparked a regional Senegal’s Selety border crossing crisis and prompted more than Helping displaced people to take them back to their home 76,300 people to seek shelter in Authorities in the Gambia have in the Gambia after two weeks of Senegal according Senegalese been sending buses to border awful uncertainty last January. “It authorities. points to help the displaced return is over, we are going back home,” home. John and his wife and chil- he grinned, one of more than an “We just did not know dren prepared to take one to West estimated 40,000** people who how things would turn Field Junction, in the Serrekunda have returned to their native Gam- out. Thank God, the blood region. From there, they planned bia since the political crisis there to hire a car or take a taxi. People ended on 19 January when former bath has been avoided,” started to return to The Gambia president Yahya Jammeh ceded “We just did not know how things as soon as they heard the news power and went into exile. Mo- would turn out. Thank God, the that Yahya Jammeh had left the vements of returns to the Gambia blood bath has been avoided,” country on Saturday 20 January. have been taking place on a regu- 42-year-old John said, echoing the On that day, 530 people crossed lar basis since Yahya Jammeh left thoughts of many who had fea- back through the Selety border the country on 20 January. red the situation in the Gambia crossing in Senegal’s Ziguinchor John explained that he decided to could tip into violence. Like many region. On Sunday 21, the num- leave his home in the town of Kun- he praised host families for their ber grew to over 3,700, with as kujang-Mariam, in the Serrekunda warm welcome in Senegal. “Peo- many again on Monday 22, some

10 UNOWAS E-magazine - №3 March 2017 heading home in private cars, on and her baby – have struggled to of food to the displaced and host motorcycles, or hoping to board a feed them. “I used to cook one kilo families – including rice, oil and bus. Others have been going back of rice a day for my own family,” sugar. Fourty tons of rice arrived to the Gambia through informal said Mariama. “Now, with the new in Ziguinchor region in the third crossings on the northern and people I am hosting in my home, week of January and distribution southern borders. I cook three to four kilos a day. I started in several villages hos- had to dig into our food resources ting displaced people. In addition “I used to cook one kilo to feed everyone. It is okay – we to food aid, the government is of rice a day for my own need to help them – but now, in also providing mattresses, matts, order to have extra money to buy sheets, blankets, and soap to tho- family,” rice, I prepare and sell breakfasts se in need. to people in my neighbourhood.” Some returning by boat to Banjul, An estimated 3,500 people also the Gambian capital, were arriving Fourty tons of rice arri- sought safety in Guinea Bissau du- on crowded ferries which are re- ring the crisis, with 2440 who have portedly old and unsafe. During ved in Ziguinchor region since returned by themselves to the crisis, people fled or hid in in the third week of Ja- the Gambia. their homes, turning Banjul into a ghost town. A UNHCR team in Ban- nuary and distribution * Names changed for protection jul said that some normalcy had started in several villages reasons quickly begun to return, as some hosting displaced peo- ** Figure from Senegalese authori- schools and shops re-opened. ties as off early February. This figure ple. refers to people who have returned During the political impasse, thou- homes in The Gambia through buses sands of displaced people from the To meet the needs of both displa- ced people and their hosts, the orgnaized by Gambinaa nd Senega- Gambia were hosted by families in lese authorities. Senegal. Many, like Mariama* – Senegalese government has been who was hosting up to 15 people quick to act. The authorities deli- By UNHCR Dakar in her home, including a cousin vered and distributed several tons

Eighteen-year-old Maimouna is returning home in the Gambia after being hosted several weeks by family members in a village by the border in Senegal UNHCR / Helene Caux

UNOWAS E-magazine - №3 March 2017 11 #FreePress for a #NewGambia: UNESCO and EU bring tools of the trade to media in The Gambia With a 691,583 euro grant from the European Union, UNESCO is building media capacity in the Gambia through providing equipment and developing journalism education and an enabling environment for free- dom of expression and access to information in the Gambia.

President Barrow promoting «Free press for The new Gambia» with members of UNESCO delegation in Banjul

or peace to be las- professionals often lack the neces- “A critical, independent and in- ting and develop- sary resources and capacities to vestigative press is the lifeblood ment to be sustai- exercise their activities. Difficulty of democracy” Ambassador Attila nable, human rights accessing information and lack of Lajos of the EU Delegation to the “Fmust be respected. Everyone must equipment and training are among Gambia underlined. Fatou Kin- be free to seek, receive and impart the daily challenges faced by me- neh-Jobe, Permanent Secretary knowledge and information on all dia professionals. This project is in the Ministry of Information and platforms, online and offline. Qua- addressing some of these issues, Communication Infrastructure, lity journalism enables citizens to namely professional development underlined that the Gambia must make informed decisions about and training and the economic via- take advantage of President Ada- their society and their contribution bility of media houses. ma Barrow’s statement that the to development. But in order to media, both public and private, do so, tools – both intellectual and “A critical, independent must enjoy freedom to dissemina- material - are necessary” underli- and investigative press te divergent views and dissenting ned Gwang-Chol Chang, Director opinions. a.i. of the UNESCO Regional Office is the lifeblood of demo- for West Africa (Sahel) in Dakar cracy” “As the New Gambia consolidates speaking on February 22nd at the the new democracy, the onus is The overall objective of this pro- Gambia National Commission for on you, the journalists, to ensure ject, which will continue through UNESCO, where a ceremony was that the news you provide is cre- June 2017, is to contribute to bet- held to deliver media equipment dible and that it promotes peace, ter democratic governance throu- to beneficiary newspapers, the cohesion and development. I can- gh improving Gambia Press Union, and the Uni- not overstate your responsibilities and the quality of information versity of the Gambia. as peace and development agents. available to the Gambian popula- Let your pen and voice be your In the Gambia, as in many coun- tion. weapons of victory” emphasized tries around the world, media Ade Mamonyane Lekoetje, United

12 UNOWAS E-magazine - №3 March 2017 Nations Resident Coordinator in nalists and the Issue of Impunity. been identified for the imple- the Gambia, during the ceremony. Furthermore a formal platform for mentation of this project as the dialogue between media and the UN agency with the mandate to The delivery of equipment comes Government will be established support the fields of communica- days after President Adama - Bar in order to support the revision tion, media, and journalism. “To row’s inauguration in Banjul on of existing regulatory frameworks further buttress the importance February 18th. This project pro- concerning freedom of expression of Press Freedom, the New Gam- motes excellence in journalism in and access to information in order bia has stressed its unwavering recognition that journalism edu- to align them with international desire to respect the fundamental cation is an important part of de- human rights standards. principles of press freedom and veloping a free and independent respect to journalists who strive media. The project also reinfor- “To further buttress the to uphold the ethics of their pro- ces gender equality in the media importance of Press Free- fession. UNESCO will maintain a and the development of training strong partnership worldwide to curricula and materials. It also dom, the New Gambia uphold this ideal for a better and contributes to reinforce freedom has stressed its unwa- informed world” the UN Resident of expression and access to infor- Coordinator in the Gambia confir- mation. vering desire to respect the fundamental prin- med. The project directly contri- Primary beneficiaries of this pro- butes to the achievement of 2030 ject include media houses, news- ciples of press freedom Development Agenda’s goal (SDG papers, community radios, the and respect to journalists 16) to promote peaceful and in- Gambia Press Union, and the Uni- who strive to uphold the clusive societies for sustainable versity of the Gambia. Through development, provide access to June 2017, capacity building initia- ethics of their profes- justice for all and build effective, tives will occur, as well as training sion.” accountable and inclusive institu- of Gambian security forces on the tions at all levels. With longstanding experience in safety of journalists and freedom By UNESCO Dakar of expression to support the UN promoting excellence and trai- Plan of Action on the Safety of Jour- ning in journalism, UNESCO has

UNOWAS E-magazine - №3 March 2017 13 OHCHR to increase its support to The Gambia as new era begins

With the departure of Mr. Jammeh and the inauguration of President Adama Barrow, a new era has begun where human rights principles will be respected.

People wearing t-shirts reading «We are all Gambian» demonstrate in Dakar against alleged human rights violations in Gambia (AFP Photo/Seyllou)

n his speech, on 18 February bly and association. Heavy-handed in the country, including in the af- 2017 during The Gambia’s attempts by the government to si- termath of the mass arrests during 52nd Independence Day cele- de-line opposition voices, such as the peaceful protests on 14, 16 bration in Banjul, Mr Adama arbitrary arrests and detention of April and 9 May 2016 and the de- Barrow,I the new President of The civil society representatives and tention of dozens of political oppo- Gambia, declared that during his journalists. nents, supporters and bystanders, tenure the promotion and protec- including the conviction of 30 op- tion of human rights would be at A historical gain position members. He also called the core of his policy and reforms. Despite the government multiple on Jammeh to respect the result “A Human Rights Commission restrictions and lack of coope- of the elections, the democratic would be established without de- ration under Jammeh’s adminis- process and the rule of law. lay”, said the freshly elected Pre- tration, the Office of the United sident. But today the situation has chan- Nations High Commissioner for ged and the new President’s com- It is an historical gain that The Human Rights in West Africa (OH- mitment is a huge step toward Gambians will be experiencing af- CHR – WARO) has demonstrated a the consolidation of human rights ter two decades of suffering. strong engagement to support the which OHCHR will support. Gambians through a determined Under the former regime of Pre- and regular promotion and pro- “The OHCHR will enhance its sup- sident Yahya Jammeh, systematic tection of the human rights in The port and cooperation with the and countless violations have oc- Gambia. new authorities to ensure that curred which have exacerbated an Human rights are institutionally already hostile and repressive poli- The UN High Commissioner for Hu- anchored in their concerns,” said tical environment: Enforced disap- man Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein Andrea Ori, the Representative of pearances, arbitrary arrests and has consistently and in various oc- the Dakar based Regional office of detention, torture and restrictions casions condemned human rights OHCHR. on freedom of expression, assem- violations that were taking place

14 UNOWAS E-magazine - №3 March 2017 Challenges and supports tation of transitional justice- me ned, tortured, sacked, deprived of chanisms. their properties or lost members In this vein, OHCHR has underta- of their family are calling for jus- ken several key missions and acti- In the meantime, OHCHR has also tice and reparation. vities to the Gambia to ensure that called upon the new government a timely and effective support is to ensure future promotion and Many other human rights domains provided to the new authorities. A protection of human rights and has will require OHCHR expertise and technical expertise in the drafting pleaded for the release of all poli- assistance: public administration, process of a bill to establish the tical prisoners. “OHCHR is pleased security sector and the judiciary National Human Rights Commis- to note that Mr. Barrow has stated are suffering of lack of human and sion (NHRC) in line with internatio- that his Government will under- financial resources and professio- nal standards has been provided in take key constitutional and legal nal capacity. The support of the addition to the regular support to reforms to enforce constitutional international community, particu- the office of the Resident Coordi- provisions that are entrenched to larly to promote and strengthen nator which was put in place since protect the fundamental rights of human rights, is paramount. The the presidential election. citizens”, said Andrea Ori. change of regime is an opportunity for the UN in general and OHCHR In response to the announcement To mark its actions towards a new in particular to increase its assis- by the President Barrow to launch era respectful of human rights, tance to help the new government a Truth and Reconciliation Com- the Government has ordered the initiate new reforms of the institu- mission (TRC) to investigate the al- release of all persons detained tional framework and strengthen leged human rights violations and without trial. However, despite the capacities of state actors, non- abuses committed during former the fact that many political priso- state actors and oversight bodies President Jammeh’s regime, OH- ners and detainees have been re- to ensure that accountability and CHR will be able to assist in deve- leased, many cases remain unac- rule of law prevail in The Gambia. loping standards and operational counted for, especially cases of rule of law tools and the design disappearances. Gambians, who By OHCHR Dakar that is needed for the implemen- were illegally arrested and detai-

A marching band in Farafenni, a market town in The Gambia, just south of the border with Senegal. Photo: UNFPA The Gambia

UNOWAS E-magazine - №3 March 2017 15 Portrait SALIEU TALL, When #GambiaHasDecided.. Salieu Taal, a lawyer who turned activist and the initiator of GambiaHasDecided (GHD) during the political impasse in the Gambia precipitated by Jammeh’s decision to reject December 1st elections, says that the Gambians should not shy away from asserting their rights as citizens and holding their representatives ac- countable for decisions they make on their behalf. 2-Now that “The Gambia has de- cided”, do you intent to play a specific role in the future? Now that Gambia has decided, GHD seeks to ensure that the decision of the Gambians is respected by the in-coming Government. Gambians fought for Democracy, good governance and respect for the rule of law amongst other things. GHD is now evolving into a civil society organization that will play a role in ensuring that an inclusive democratic space is developed by all the stakeholders and ensure that structures, institutions are designed that will prevent abuse of power, intolerance and dictatorship. GHD has embraced the youths who have become our major stakeholders and working to ensure youths participate 1- When and how the GHD was entrepreneurs, social activists, in nation building and begin to born? music promoters, media and IT take up leadership positions in professionals. Collectively we Government and the legislature. GHD is a civil society initiative came up with a strategy that In summary, GHD focus areas are started in the Gambia by a group would use the internet to make upholding democracy, promoting of young Gambian professionals the GambiaHasDecided viral and good governance, upholding the based in the Gambia after outgoing reinforce the message locally by rule of law and civic education. President Jammeh decided to producing tshirts and erecting annul the December 1st elections. bill boards around strategic areas 3-As a civil society actor, what is I invited a group of friends and within the country with the the message you want to deliver acquaintances to my house message #GambiaHasDecided. We to the Gambians now that The to discuss ways to channeling initially funded the entire budget Gambia is entering a new era? our anger and frustration after for our campaign and subsequently Jammeh’s decision to cancel and As civil society actor, we just want raised funds through our networks to reiterate to the Gambian popu- annul the December 1st elections. and gofundme account. We met and brainstormed over lation that they have decided for a change and the change from ty- pizza and local Nigerian food Now that Gambia has (suya) and agreed to launch a ranny to participatory and inclusi- campaign around the hashtag decided, GHD seeks to ve democracy. As a population, we #GambiaHasDecided with the ensure that the decision must not shy away from asserting our rights as citizens and holding singular purpose of mobilizing of the Gambians is res- public against Jammeh’s illegal our representatives * Government decision and asserting our pected by the in-coming and legislators) accountable for democratic rights as citizens. Government. Gambians decisions they make on our be- half. Our membership included fought for Democracy young women professionals,

16 UNOWAS E-magazine - №3 March 2017 The G5 Sahel and UNOWAS review their roadmap The two-year cooperation between the G5 Sahel (Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Mali, Chad and Niger) and the United Nations is a testimony to the willingness of both organizations to work together in addressing the challenges that hamper the development of the five Sahelian countries. Cooperation between entities In his speech at the opening of the meeting, the Permanent Secretary of the G5-Sahel, Najim El Hadj Mo- hamed, highlighted the quality of cooperation between the two en- tities, which he believes must be further strengthened through the realization of flagship projects and the development of a calendar of activities for the period 2017- 2020, as well as a common G5/UN project matrix. Meanwhile, Ms. Hiroute Guebre Sellassie, Deputy Special Repre- Meeting G5 Sahel - UNOWAS, Nouakchott, 6 March 2017. sentative of the United Nations Secretary-General for West Africa he two-year cooperation of the United Nations For the Sa- and the Sahel, recalled the com- between the G5 Sahel hel (UNISS), to provide an effec- mitment of UNOWAS to work (Mauritania, Burkina Faso, tive and coherent response to closely with the G5-Sahel, prima- Mali, Chad and Niger) and the multiple challenges related rily through the establishment Tthe United Nations is a testimony to governance, development and of the UNOWAS Liaison Cell in to the willingness of both orga- security, as well as resilience. It Nouakchott, which plays a leading nizations to work together in ad- was therefore necessary for both role in consolidating cooperation dressing the challenges that ham- partners to take stock of the state between the two entities. per the development of the five of progress of the projects and to The two-day meeting also allowed Sahelian countries. It is with this revise the roadmap in the light the two teams to discuss poten- mindset that, on 6 and 7 March in of the latest developments in the tial projects and funding needed Nouakchott (Mauritania), a -mee region. Thanks to the roadmap, for their launch, as well as the im- ting was held between the G5 Sa- tangible progress was made to portance of a better partnership hel and the United Nations Office ensure ownership of projects and coordination with the various UN for West Africa and Sahel (UNO- initiatives by beneficiaries by -wor agencies. WAS) to assess the implementa- king closely with the Permanent tion of the roadmap and to de- Secretariat of the G5 Sahel. The Through their joint efforts, the G5- velop a work plan that addresses integration of gender in the work Sahel and the United Nations have the priorities and needs of the G5 of the G5 Sahel has seen improve- been able to launch important Sahel countries. ments after the deployment of an projects such as the establishment Expert to the Permanent Secreta- of the «Security Cooperation Plat- Response to the multiple riat of the G5 Sahel in Nouakchott. form» and the Anti-Radicalization challenges The meeting highlighted the need Unit, as well as the Sahel Women’s More than two years ago, the two to update flagship projects jointly Platform, which are examples of entities were able to develop a developed with the G5 Sahel to concrete achievements that de- road map aimed at harmonizing better take into account the evo- monstrate a privileged partnership the priority projects of the G5-Sa- lution of the situation in the Sahe- and respond to the priorities hel Priority Investment Program lian space. contained in the Roadmap. (PIP) and the Integrated Strategy

UNOWAS E-magazine - №3 March 2017 17 Forum of Special Envoys and Partners for the Sahel: UNOWAS reitera- tes its support to the Sahel On 14 and 15 March, Mohamed Ibn Chambas participatred the 4th informal meeting of the Special Envoys and the Partners for the Sahel, hosted by the Government of Luxembourg and co-chaired by the EU Special Representative for the Sahel, Angel Losada.

Special Envoys and partners for the Sahel during their meering on 14 March 2017 in Luxembourg

Continued support General for West Africa and the current security developments, in Sahel, Mohamed Ibn Chambas, particular local conflicts, violent To renew their commitment and emphasized the continuous extremism and transnational express their continued support to mobilization of the United Nations crime. They also pledged their the Sahel region, representatives (UN) for the Sahel, as illustrated continuous commitment towards from various European Foreign during the recent debates at the the Sahel and emphasized the Affairs Ministries, the G5 Peace Building Commission, and complementarity of efforts, Permanent Secretary, the AU the coordination meeting between in particular with regard to High Representative for Mali the G5 Secretariat and UN regional military initiatives in the region. and the Sahel, as well as several agencies held in Nouakchott on The Malian peace process and representatives of think tanks 6 and 7 March (see page 16). He the establishment of the G5 participated in 4th informal put forward the UN’s efforts in Sahel regional force were also meeting of the Special Envoys and conflict prevention and its support discussed. the Partners for the Sahel. The to regional initiatives, notably discussions focused on current through its collaboration with the The forum of Special Envoys was economic, peace and security G5 Sahel and through consultation established under the former trends and developments in the mechanisms such as the upcoming Office of the Special Envoy for the Sahel and on the need for close Ministerial Coordination Platform Sahel (OSES) to ensure coherence coordination between national, for Sahel Strategies planned on and coordination between the regional and external actors, and 29-30 May. major actors. The next meeting of on specific challenges posed to the Special Envoys will be hosted external cooperation. commitment towards the Sahel by Sweden, in Stockholm, in September 2017. The Special Representative of Participants agreed on the need the United Nations Secretary- for new approaches in light of

18 UNOWAS E-magazine - №3 March 2017 CNMC continues its work to complete border demarcation As part of the implementation of the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission (CNMC), the two delegations met in Yaoundé, in Cameroon, to discuss the work progress of the demarcation and to take stock of the security situation, especially after the January attack which cost the lives of 5 agents of the CNMC technical team. n extraordinary meeting of heads of delegations of the Cameroon-Nige- ria Mixed Commission A(CNMC) took place on 8 March 2017 in Yaoundé under the Presi- dency of Mr. Mohamed Ibn Cham- bas, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, and with the participation of Mr. Ama- dou Ali, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Cameroon, and Mr. Abubakar Malami, Minister of Justice of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

This extraordinary meeting comes Meeting of the Head of Delegation CNMC, 8 March 2017 in Yaoundé after a deadly attack perpetrated on 31 January on a CNMC tech- nical team carrying out its regu- lar border demarcation mission. border despite the tragic attack. Fund, which will need to gather other contributions. 5 people were killed including an The heads of delegations also ad- independent UN contractor, three dressed the issue of security and The CNMC was set up under the Joint Nigerian nationals and one Came- the additional steps needed to Communiqué adopted at the Geneva roonian. Summit of 15 November 2002 between protect CMCN officers on mission. His Excellency , President of the To complete the Demarcation In this regard, a meeting on the is- Republic of Cameroon and His Excellency sue of security will be held in early Olusegun Obasanjo, then President of Since its inception on 15 Novem- April in Geneva, Switzerland. the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the pre- ber 2002, this is the first time the sence of His Excellency Kofi Annan, then CNMC is victim of an attack of this The Heads of Delegations also ex- Secretary General of the United Nations. The objective of the CNMC is to facilitate magnitude. It was necessary for pressed their satisfaction to the President of the CNMC for all the the implementation of the 10 October the parties to meet to renew their 2002 International Court of Justice (ICJ) commitment to continue and fundraising efforts that have mo- decision on the Cameroon-Nigeria bor- complete the demarcation of the bilized 3 million Euros. They also der dispute. pledged to contribute to the Trust

ollowing the deadly attack that caused at a ceremony held at UNOWAS headquarters the death of the five members of the in Dakar on Friday, 03 February 2017, during Joint Technical Team of the CNMC, the which a minute of silence was observed in me- United Nations Office for West Africa mory of the victimes cowardly killed by an uni- Fand the Sahel (UNOWAS) expressed its solida- dentified armed group on 31 January 2017. rity and sympathy to the families of the victims

UNOWAS E-magazine - №3 March 2017 19 UNOWAS in Brief

Lessons learned on conflict prevention in West Africa

n 26 and 27 January, UNOWAS and key lessons and make recommendations in UNDP facilitated a regional consul- regards to conflict prevention. The partici- Otation in Dakar to help prepare the pants discussed concrete cases of peace- World Bank-UN Study on “Making Develo- building in post-conflict situations; regional pment for Peace: The Role of Development experiences in the management of power in Preventing Violent Conflict”. During the transitions and crisis resolution; and addres- meeting, participants discussed the impor- sing cross-border security challenges throu- tance of institutional collaboration in ad- gh regional mechanisms and institutions. dressing political and security situations in The recommendations to the UN will feed the West African environment, which is one into a full report, expected to be completed of the key aspects of UNOWAS’ mandate. later this year, will focus on how structural The consultations brought together repre- factors, institutions and agency shape long- sentatives from think thanks, civil society term prospects for durable peace. and UN agencies from the region to identify

«Palaver tree» on The Gambia

s part of its regular “palaver exchange on a range of issues and challenges tree” sessions, a framework for that the new authorities will have to tackle discussions on governance and to initiate a coherent democratic reform human rights issues established process that covers political, human rights, inA 2012, UNOWAS convened on 28 February, governance, Rule of law as well as economic, an encounter with civil society organizations, social sectors, among others. think tanks, multilateral organizations and According to the participants, the new other actors to discuss the new political authorities should embark in constitutional change in the Gambia following the reforms to ensure that a democratic inauguration of President Barrow. framework is in place to guarantee the Rule After more than two decades, the people of law for all gambians. In this regard, they of The Gambia finds itself suddenly relieved emphasized that the establishement of of a dictatorial environment, but without the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, rule of law nor a democratic framework in promised by President Barrow should play a place. constructive role in consolidating democratic gains and peace in The Gambia. The encounter was an opportunity to

20 UNOWAS E-magazine - №3 March 2017 UNOWAS and ECOWAS discussed migratory trends in West Africa n 25 January, UNOWAS and ECOWAS rism, Laouali Chaibou, with the participation met in Praia, Cabo Verde, to discuss of the IOM Regional Office. Both institutions Opolicy developments and current agreed to strengthen their collaboration on engagements with regard to migratory trends the matter. ECOWAS and UNOWAS, as both and perspectives in West Africa as well as ten- institutions collaborate on issues such as pre- sions between pastoralists and other groups. ventive diplomacy, good offices missions and Discussions focused on ways for UNOWAS mediations, capacity-building for the preven- to support ECOWAS in finding sustainable tion of post-election violence and to ensure solutions to these challenges from a conflict peaceful democratic transitions, as well as prevention perspective. The meeting was co- for addressing the prevalence of cross-border chaired by UNOWAS DSRSG Hiroute Guebre crimes and promoting cross-border coopera- Sellassie and by the ECOWAS Commissioner tion. for Trade, Customs, Free Movement and Tou-

UNOWAS participates in the third G5 Sahel Ordinary Summit of Heads of State rom 5 to 6 February, UNOWAS De- attacks in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. The puty SRSG Guebre Sellassie partici- Heads of State also expressed preoccupation pated in the Third G5 Sahel Ordinary about radicalization and violent extremism, Summit of Heads of State in Bamako. proliferation of weapons, drug and human DuringF the meeting, she praised the G5 Sahel trafficking and their links with transnational Heads of State and Government’s efforts to organized crime, in spite of Malian peace promote regional cooperation, while pled- agreement. ging continued the United Nations’ support Finally, they put forward the creation of a to such endeavors. She also urged partners to G5 Sahel regional force to combat terrorism, tackle regional issues impacting on Mali and organized crime, human and drug trafficking the Sahel and advocated for enhanced coo- in the Sahel region, with a particular focus peration among partners on issues such as on Northern Mali. The force is expected to insecurity, migration, radicalization, good go- be molded into a brigade of five battalions vernance and human rights. She also recalled contributed by the G5 countries, with a cen- that progress made in the Malian peace pro- tral command, a logistics battalion and an air cess can help ensure security and peace not force unit, to pursue joint cross-border opera- only in the country, but in the wider Sahel. tions as a means of combating threats in the The Summit aimed at discussing the security region. The United Nations is reviewing the situation in Mali and its impact on the Sahel request to determine how the organization region. It noted that the security situation in can contribute to operationalize this regional the Sahel was affected by the delinquency of initiative. the State in Libya and an increase in terrorist

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