Gambiaj.com – (ARUSHA, Tanzania) – Jarra West lawmaker Kebba Jallow has called for stronger democratic institutions, inclusive development, and peaceful resolution of conflicts, saying democracy must extend beyond elections and deliver tangible opportunities for citizens.
Jallow made the remarks while addressing the General Debate of the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Arusha, Tanzania, being held from October 5 to 9 under the theme “Enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust, and opportunities for all.”
With The Gambia preparing for presidential elections in December 2026, Jallow said the theme was particularly relevant to the country.
He argued that elections alone cannot sustain democracy, stressing the importance of institutions that citizens trust, responsive parliaments and governments, equal protection under the law, and economic opportunities that enable people to improve their livelihoods.
“Parliament has a particularly important role in advancing this objective,” Jallow said, pointing to the National Assembly’s legislative, representative, and oversight responsibilities.
He said Parliament must remain connected to citizens between elections and improve public understanding of its work through accessible communication.
Jallow urges greater public access to Parliament.
Jallow identified digital technology as an important tool for strengthening the relationship between Parliament and citizens, particularly young people.
He called for greater online access to parliamentary proceedings, Bills, Acts, committee activities, and other information, saying improved access would allow citizens to better understand and engage with the work of their representatives.
On development, he said good governance should ultimately translate into improved opportunities for citizens.
He highlighted job creation, human capital development, entrepreneurship, women’s economic empowerment, and opportunities for young people as key areas of The Gambia’s development agenda.
Jallow cited the Women Enterprise Fund and various entrepreneurship and skills-development programs as initiatives aimed at expanding economic participation among women and young people. He also highlighted the National Youth Parliament as a platform for young Gambians to participate in governance, debate national issues, and develop leadership skills.
Growth must translate into household opportunities
Jallow also pointed to recent economic growth as a basis for optimism, citing World Bank estimates that The Gambia’s economy expanded by 5.9 percent in 2025, following growth of 5.6 percent in 2024.
He said extreme poverty was estimated to have fallen from 21.5 percent in 2024 to 20.3 percent in 2025.
But he cautioned that economic growth alone was insufficient.
Jallow said growth needed to be accompanied by investment in human capital, infrastructure, social protection, and inclusive economic opportunities.
“Our objective is therefore not simply to achieve economic growth, but to ensure that growth creates opportunities that can be felt in communities and households across the country,” he said.
Calls for diplomacy over global conflicts
The Jarra West lawmaker also used his address to call for peaceful resolution of international conflicts, arguing that good governance, human dignity, and sustainable development cannot flourish amid war.
He expressed concern over the continuing conflict in Ukraine and said The Gambia supports a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy, consistent with the United Nations Charter, international law, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
On Palestine and the wider Middle East, Jallow reaffirmed The Gambia’s support for dialogue, diplomacy, civilian protection, and international law.
He said The Gambia supports the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and a peaceful settlement based on a two-state solution, with the State of Palestine recognized within the framework of relevant United Nations resolutions.
Jallow also expressed concern about attacks and military escalation involving Iran and other states in the region, arguing that disputes should be addressed through diplomatic engagement rather than further military confrontation.
“The positions of The Gambia on these conflicts are rooted in the principle that human life must remain at the center of international relations,” he said.
He called on all parties to pursue an immediate cessation of hostilities, exercise maximum restraint, and return to negotiations, while urging the international community to intensify diplomatic efforts and humanitarian assistance.
The IPU Assembly brings together lawmakers from around the world for discussions on parliamentary democracy, peace, human rights, and sustainable development. Its 2026 general debate is specifically focused on strengthening inclusive governance and creating opportunities for communities.
Concluding his address, Jallow said The Gambia remained committed to strengthening democratic institutions and creating a society in which political participation is meaningful and opportunities are accessible to all.
He described the IPU as an important forum for parliamentarians to exchange experiences and develop practical approaches to strengthening parliamentary democracy and good governance.
He urged lawmakers to build governance systems that are “inclusive in participation, transparent in operation, responsive in service, and ambitious in creating opportunities” for their citizens.
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