Banjul witnessed the launch of a nationwide series of town hall meetings on 22 May, an initiative spearheaded by the National Human Rights Commission in collaboration with TANGO and backed by the EU through the EU-UNDP GREAT Project. The first meeting, held in the presence of Lord Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe, marks a vital step in fostering participatory governance by creating spaces for meaningful dialogue between duty bearers and rights holders on key development and governance issues.
Deputy Head of Mission Raphaël Brigandi, representing Ambassador Imma Roca i Cortés, underscored the importance of civic engagement, stating that “this initiative is timely. Civic engagement is a cornerstone of democratic governance. Gambian civil society organisations continue to mobilise as advocates for human rights, the rule of law, and improved governance for the benefit of all citizens.”
Brigandi further emphasised the necessity of community-driven policymaking, noting that local insights and experiences are crucial for designing effective policies. “People usually know their own problems best,” he remarked, advocating for a bottom-up approach to shaping and implementing relevant and impactful policies.
The EU-supported series aims to empower citizens and ensure their voices play an integral role in shaping governance and development strategies across the country.
