Gambian President says Peace Award reminder quest for peace a never-ending venture
Banjul, Gambia (PANA) - Gambian President Adama Barrow the 2024 African Prize for Peace that has been awarded him may be in recognition of his “humble” efforts and signifies the resilience and commitment of Gambians and Africans to peace promotion, stability and human dignity.
In his acceptance speech during the 2024 African Peace Award held in Nouakchott, Mauritania, on Tuesday, he said regardless of the conflicts and suffering across the globe, Africa continues to rise and develop.
"This resilience demonstrates our unyielding resolve to pursue a durable path to harmony and mutual understanding," he said.
"Although our history is loaded with challenges, the natural African spirit in us, driven by the ideals of unity and cooperation, remains our guiding light."
Consequently, President Barrow said, the peace award is not a mere recognition of efforts but a reminder that the quest for peace is a never-ending venture.
President Barrow pointed out that his leadership experience has revealed to him the profound impact of sustained peace on a nation.
“Peace stands out clearly as the bedrock upon which society can heal, economies can thrive, and individuals can access opportunities and enjoy their rights to live happily," he said.
"Put differently, peace is the cornerstone for a world that upholds human dignity, celebrates diversity, and empowers people to realise their full potential,” he stated.
President Barrow said that peacebuilding in Africa calls for addressing emerging threats, such as election-related violence, unregulated migration, abuse of new technologies, and systemic corruption.
“To succeed, as we engage in constructive dialogue and collaboration, we must remember that it is only through collective action that a truly peaceful world order can be established.”
The Gambian leader said in pursuing his government’s transformation and development agenda, a major focus of the government’s 2018-2021 National Development Plan was to restore and sustain peace and stability through suitable institutional building and people-centered development approaches.
“Furthermore, establishing a Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparation Commission and implementing its recommendations to heal the nation, reforming our security sector, and liberating public space for responsible media participation and freedom of expression are important aspects of our peacebuilding story,” he highlighted.
-0- PANA MSS/MA 10Jan2024
