Madi Jobarteh, the former country director of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) in The Gambia, has confirmed his departure from the organization. In an exclusive interview with The Standard, Jobarteh clarified that his exit was not a result of being sacked, but rather a mutual separation agreement stemming from disagreements, particularly regarding his stance on the Israel-Palestine issue.

Jobarteh expressed his unwavering support for the immediate end to the Israeli occupation of Palestine and the prosecution of all Israeli actors responsible for human rights violations and the genocide of Palestinians. He emphasized the need for Palestine to be free and independent, enjoying the same democratic principles that the UK and Israel advocate for globally.

Citing historical context, Jobarteh highlighted the British government’s Balfour Declaration of 1917, which affirmed the rights of the Palestinian people to be respected and protected. However, he criticized the UK for failing to ensure that Israel abides by the terms of the declaration or subsequent UN resolutions that formally created Israel while providing military support to Israel.

Jobarteh believes that the UK and WFD, as promoters of democracy, bear the responsibility to ensure democracy prevails everywhere, including in Israel and Palestine. Despite his departure, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with WFD for five years, during which they collaborated with various Gambian institutions to promote democracy.

As WFD begins the search for a new country director, Jobarteh remains steadfast in his commitment to the democratic journey, emphasizing the importance of strengthening democracy for good governance, justice, equality, peace, security, and freedom for all.

WFD is sponsored by the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, and the country director is responsible for the overall operational and programmatic functioning of the country office in The Gambia.