Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Demba Ali Jawo, the Chairman of the National Centre for Victims of Human Rights Violations (the Victims’ Center) has announced his resignation. The resignation, effective since June 12, 2024, has been confirmed by the chairman himself amidst widespread speculation.

“For these past few days, I have been inundated with calls wanting to confirm whether I have indeed resigned as chairman of the management board of the Victims’ Center,” the chairman stated. “Yes, I have tendered my resignation as chairman of the Victims’ Center since 12th June, 2024, which was prompted purely by personal reasons and nothing to do with any grievances against anyone or anything in particular.”

Elected unanimously in September 2023, the chairman expressed his initial enthusiasm and vision for his role. However, he admitted that the reality of the position differed significantly from his expectations. “When I was unanimously elected as chair in September 2023, I had my own pre-conceived ideas about how I intended to carry out my functions. However, as time went on, it dawned on me that the situation on the ground was not the same as I had anticipated and no matter how hard I had tried, I was not able to fit in the existing equation,” he explained.

In light of these challenges, the chairman made the decision to step down, believing that new leadership might better navigate the complexities faced by the Center. “Therefore, I thought it was only fair that I stepped down to give chance to someone else to take over and probably steer the Center to safer waters,” he added.

The chairman took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the staff of the secretariat and extended his well wishes to the Center and its stakeholders, including the victims. He also assured them of his ongoing cooperation. “I wish to take this opportunity to thank the staff of the secretariat and also wish the Center and all its stakeholders, including the victims, success in their future endeavours and to assure them of my cooperation at all times.”

The resignation of the chairman leaves the Victims’ Center at a crossroads, with the task of appointing a new leader who can continue the important work of supporting victims of human rights violations. The organization’s future direction and leadership will be closely watched by all stakeholders in the coming weeks.