Gambiaj.com – (ABUJA, Nigeria) – President Adama Barrow arrived in Abuja on Saturday to participate in the 66th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government Summit. In Banjul, hopes remain high that the West African organization heads of state will include a key agenda item related to The Gambia’s proposal for a special tribunal to prosecute individuals liable for crimes committed under the regime of Yahya Jammeh.

The establishment of the tribunal has been a central demand for Gambians seeking justice and accountability for crimes committed under former regimes. Many hope that the ECOWAS summit will galvanize regional support for the initiative, marking a significant step in the country’s post-TRRC transitional justice process.

Meanwhile, upon his arrival in Abuja, President Barrow was welcomed by Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, Secretary of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Youth Development. Following his reception, the President engaged with members of the Gambian community in Nigeria, addressing their concerns and sharing updates on national developments.

Diaspora Appreciated Barrow’s Leadership

During the gathering, Gambians in Nigeria expressed gratitude for President Barrow’s leadership. Saikou Juwara, a community member, commended the government’s focus on expanding vocational and technical education, highlighting its role in equipping youth with employable skills and creating job opportunities.

Sarjo Jamana, representing Kaduna State, advocated for the inclusion of diaspora voting in Gambia’s electoral system. President Barrow acknowledged the importance of this issue and expressed his support for diaspora participation in elections. However, he emphasized that any changes would require approval from the National Assembly.

Addressing Consular and Administrative Concerns

Ansumana Tunkara, the Gambian consular representative in Togo, urged the government to provide fingerprint machines for identity card and passport issuance. Similarly, Gambian Consul in Ghana, Mr. Eddy, requested the expedited appointment of an honorary consul in Ghana to enhance diplomatic services. Responding to these concerns, Foreign Affairs Minister Mamadou Tangara assured attendees that the Ministry had already initiated the process and was awaiting the Ghanaian government’s approval.

The Gambian Ambassador to Nigeria, Muhammed Papa Njie, expressed appreciation for the President’s engagement with the diaspora. Ambassador Njie also encouraged community members to register on a new digital platform designed to streamline communication between the embassy and Gambian citizens in Nigeria.

Youth Empowerment and Inclusive Development

In his closing remarks, President Barrow urged Gambian youth to remain diligent and invest in the country’s development. He emphasized the importance of their role as agents of change and announced plans to issue inclusive identity cards to all Gambians, a move aimed at enhancing national identity and fostering social inclusion.

The ECOWAS summit, expected to address regional security, economic challenges, and justice mechanisms, presents an opportunity for The Gambia to secure vital support for its transitional justice agenda. Gambians remain hopeful that President Barrow’s advocacy will pave the way for accountability and reconciliation through the establishment of the proposed tribunal.