Hon Alagie S Darboe & the UNOWAS Representative
By Fatou Sillah
The United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel, Leonardo Santos Simão, held high-level talks with leaders of The Gambia’s National Assembly on Monday, focusing on the country’s ongoing reform agenda.
In a statement released by the National Assembly, it was confirmed that Mr. Simão met with Majority Leader Hon. Billay G. Tunkara and Minority Leader Hon. Alhagie S. Darboe as part of his working visit to The Gambia. Also in attendance was Hon. Madi M.K. Ceesay, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Human Rights and Constitutional Matters.
“Hon. Billay G Tunkara, Majority Leader, together with Hon. Alhagie S Darboe, the Minority Leader today received in Audience Mr. Leonardo Santos Simäo, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS),” The Statement Said.
According to the Assembly’s statement, discussions centered on The Gambia’s constitutional reform process and avenues for UN support in building national consensus and fostering inclusive dialogue. The talks also addressed the transitional justice efforts that remain a cornerstone of the country’s democratic recovery following decades of authoritarian rule.
“The leadership of the National Assembly discussed at length with the visiting UN representative on the ongoing transitional justice process of the Gambia,” The Statement Said.
The statement added that, Mr. Simão commended the National Assembly for its role in advancing the transitional justice process and reiterated the UN’s commitment to supporting The Gambia’s development priorities.