NHRC, TANGO Engage Gambians in Diaspora on National Development and Reform Agenda

BANJUL, The Gambia – The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), in partnership with The Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (TANGO), has convened a diaspora engagement to strengthen the participation of Gambians abroad in shaping the country’s development and reform agenda.

The engagement, held on October 31, 2026, at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, brought together professionals from diverse fields, government representatives, civil society organisations, business stakeholders and members of the Gambian diaspora.

The initiative was organised with support from the European Union in The Gambia through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the GREAT Project.

The gathering provided a platform for participants to exchange perspectives, examine ongoing national reforms and discuss how Gambians living abroad can contribute more meaningfully to the country’s governance, economic development and democratic transformation.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, NHRC Chairperson, Mr Emmanuel Daniel Joof, highlighted the importance of inclusive national dialogue and recognised the significant contributions of Gambians in the diaspora to the country’s development.

He stressed that national development should not be a conversation conducted by the Government about the people, but rather an inclusive process involving the people themselves.

Mr Joof noted that Gambians in the diaspora possess valuable expertise, professional experience and perspectives that should inform national policies and development priorities. He therefore called for their voices, aspirations and concerns to be considered in decisions affecting the country’s future.

Reflecting on the country’s political transition, the NHRC Chairperson observed that since 2017, The Gambia has undertaken important reforms aimed at strengthening democracy, the rule of law, accountability and respect for human rights.

He emphasised the importance of sustaining these reform efforts through broader public participation and constructive engagement among government institutions, civil society and citizens at home and abroad.

The engagement featured panel discussions addressing several critical areas of national development, including governance and democratic processes, transitional justice, security sector reform, investment opportunities, migration, the promotion and protection of human rights, and electoral participation.

These discussions offered participants an opportunity to assess progress, identify existing challenges and share recommendations on how to advance the country’s reform agenda.

The involvement of the diaspora was particularly significant, given the role Gambians abroad play in the national economy through remittances, investments, skills transfer and professional networks.

The engagement also reinforced the importance of creating stronger channels through which diaspora communities can participate in national consultations and contribute to policy development.

Through the partnership, NHRC and TANGO, with support from the European Union and UNDP, reaffirmed the importance of inclusive dialogue, civic participation and collaboration in advancing The Gambia’s democratic and development aspirations.

The initiative underscores the need for national reforms to remain people-centred, ensuring that Gambians, regardless of where they live, have an opportunity to contribute to shaping the country’s future.