By: Alieu Ceesay
Madi Jobarteh, a prominent human rights activist, has initiated a new campaign for justice in The Gambia. In honor of the late Edward Francis Small, a revered figure who dedicated his life to advocating for the rights of Gambians, Jobarteh founded the Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ) to promote freedom, equality, and accountability for all citizens.
“This center belongs to all Gambians,” Jobarteh stated in his announcement, inviting communities and organizations across the country to join in building a more equal and just society. “We hold the Gambia in trust for our children and posterity,” he emphasized, echoing his deep commitment to future generations.
Named after the renowned Gambian activist Edward Francis Small, whose fight for equality and justice was instrumental in the country’s independence, the center will continue Small’s legacy of activism. Small, known for his bold stance against colonial injustices, once declared, “No taxation without representation,” a battle cry that resonates to this day. Jobarteh explained, “One hundred years later, Gambians elect their own representatives and pay taxes yet continue to suffer inadequate opportunities, poor and erratic services, and gross inequalities.”
At the heart of the Edward Francis Small Centre is a mission to promote and protect human rights through a range of strategies, including public education, capacity building, advocacy, and strategic litigation. Jobarteh stressed the center’s commitment to holding both the state and other institutions accountable for their actions.
“We would provide individuals, communities, organizations, and institutions the tools with which to become better and effective human rights defenders,” he said.
Guided by the core values of accountability, transparency, and impartiality, the center will operate independently and ensure that no external forces compromise its mission.
Jobarteh reaffirmed, “To guarantee our independence and objectivity, the Centre will not seek funding or partnerships from entities that could control or limit us.” This independence, he believes, will help the center stay true to its founding principles while fighting against corruption and injustice in Gambia.
The center will roll out its programs and initiatives in the coming months, and Jobarteh promises to provide updates on its progress. As Gambians strive for a future where public institutions are held accountable and public wealth is used for the benefit of all, the Edward Francis Small Centre stands as a beacon of hope.
“Today, more than ever, we must continue the fight Edward Francis Small started,” Jobarteh declared. “We would challenge injustices, inequalities, and discrimination in society, and show the people the power and voice they have and how to use them for their own benefit.”
The establishment of the EFSCRJ represents a pivotal moment in Gambia’s quest for justice and equality, serving as a reminder to citizens that the fight for freedom and human rights is ongoing.
