By Ebrima Mbaye
The University of The Gambia Debate Association (UTGDA), in collaboration with Fantanka, successfully hosted the inaugural Transitional Justice Debate Championship, a groundbreaking initiative designed to empower young Gambians with the knowledge and skills to engage in the nation’s transitional justice processes. The event, held at the University of The Gambia, drew students, faculty, and civil society members, marking a significant step toward fostering youth-led dialogue on justice, human rights, and accountability.
Malleh Jobarteh, Fantanka’s National Coordinator, opened the event with a compelling address, emphasizing the championship’s mission. “Through this initiative, we aim to create awareness and deepen understanding of transitional justice,” Jobarteh said. “We’re empowering students to explore these issues while nurturing values of justice, equality, and accountability.” His remarks set the tone for a day of spirited debates and thought-provoking discussions.
Algasim Bah, President of UTGDA’s 14th Executive Council, highlighted the critical role of youth in national development. Speaking to a packed audience, Bah noted, “Young people constitute the largest and most energetic demographic of our nation. When empowered, they can create positive change and make The Gambia a better place.” As the largest sub-association at the university, UTGDA leverages debate, advocacy, and research to cultivate leadership. Bah urged participants to view the championship as more than a competition, but as a platform to engage with pressing issues like human rights, transitional justice, and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
The event’s chairperson, Omar Saibo Camara, described debate as the “heartbeat of every democratic society.” He emphasized its role in teaching young people to articulate ideas, listen respectfully, and engage in constructive disagreement. “This championship comes at a time when our country and the world need young people who can challenge ideas with facts, counter hate with hope, and speak truth to power,” Camara said, inspiring participants to embrace their potential as change-makers.
Guest speaker Ms. Priscilla Yagu Ceesay delivered a powerful address on breaking the culture of silence surrounding SGBV. She stressed that open dialogue is essential for fostering accountability and empowering survivors to share their stories, thereby strengthening the foundations of transitional justice. Her remarks resonated deeply with attendees, sparking conversations about the role of youth in addressing systemic injustices.
Babucarr Sambou, former Head of the Children’s Unit at the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC), reflected on the impactful contributions of young people during the TRRC’s work. “These young people were committed to the mission, not just the job, and they succeeded,” Sambou said, urging continued youth involvement in transitional justice efforts.
The championship, supported by the Africa Transitional Justice Legacy Fund, marks a milestone in The Gambia’s journey toward reconciliation and accountability. Both UTGDA and Fantanka expressed optimism that the initiative will inspire a generation of civic-minded, responsible Gambians. By equipping young people with the tools to engage in critical discourse, the event underscores the power of debate in shaping a just and equitable future for the nation.
