EU Statement Peacebuilding Commission Ambassadorial-level meeting on The Gambia

EU Statement -- Peacebuilding Commission Ambassadorial-level meeting on The Gambia

21 April 2026, New York -- Statement on behalf of the European Union at the Peacebuilding Commission Ambassadorial-level meeting on The Gambia.

Chair, distinguished briefers,

Allow me at the outset to thank you for convening today's meeting. I would also like to express our appreciation to the briefers for their contributions. We are particularly grateful for the insights drawn from the experience of The Gambia, which has shown a strong engagement towards nationally owned peacebuilding.

Chair,

The Gambia offers, in many respects, an encouraging narrative and one very relevant for the work of the Peacebuilding Commission. Since 2017, The Gambia has pursued an ambitious agenda to consolidate democracy, advance national reconciliation and promote socio-economic development. From the very first day, the European Union has accompanied The Gambia on this path towards renewed democratic governance. The EU continues to strengthen our partnership with The Gambia based on share values and interests.

Constitutional reform, transitional justice and security sector reform remain among the main pillars supporting the peacebuilding process. The EU is supporting these reforms through a range of programmes aimed at strengthening inclusive democratic governance, including through support to women and youth peacebuilders. One example is the EU-UNDP Insider Mediation project, which contributes to conflict resolution by empowering national mediators and supporting peace and stability. In total, over the past eight years, the EU has made an unprecedented investment in The Gambia's democratic consolidation, amounting to more than half a billion Euros.

Chair,

We welcome the significant steps taken by the Gambian Government, including the ambitious White Paper and implementation plan, endorsing almost all recommendations of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission. Since then, the legal framework has been adapted to enable fully investigating and prosecuting the crimes committed under the Jammeh regime. Going forward, carrying on with the implementation remains vital. Most recently, the appointment of the Special Prosecutor is an important and significant step allowing prosecutions to eventually take place, thus advancing on the transitional justice agenda.

Chair,

Let me conclude by reiterating the value of national prevention strategies developed on a voluntary basis and rooted firmly in national ownership. On this, we believe that The Gambia provides an inspirational example.

Finally, allow me to pose a question to our distinguished speakers concerning how the Peacebuilding Commission going forward can best and most impactfully continue to be of support?

Thank you.