In a significant moment for civil society and democratic advocacy, the newly established Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ) officially launched on January 29, 2026, coinciding with the birthday of the nation’s pioneering activist Edward Francis Small. At the event, participants adopted the ‘ Edward Francis Small Declaration on Rights, Justice, and Accountable Governance’, a comprehensive call to action that reaffirms a commitment to human rights, constitutionalism, and citizen empowerment amid ongoing concerns about democratic fragility.
Edward Francis Small (1891–1958), widely regarded as the trailblazer of Gambian political consciousness, was a journalist, trade unionist, and anti-colonial leader. He founded the country’s first trade union (the Bathurst Trade Union), its first political organization (the Rate Payers’ Association), and became the first elected Gambian representative in the colonial Legislative Council. Known for organizing strikes against exploitation, publishing newspapers to advocate for dignity and freedom, and championing workers’ rights and representative democracy, Small’s legacy as a “watchdog” against injustice continues to inspire modern activism.
The launch event, held to commemorate Small’s enduring influence, brought together civil society leaders, youth activists, journalists, academics, and members of the Small family. Under the theme “Honouring the Legacy of Edward Francis Small; Advancing the Struggle for Human Rights, Justice, and Accountable Governance,” the gathering featured reflections on his contributions to nation-building, panel discussions on accountability and participation, and the unveiling of the Centre’s mandate.
The Declaration’s preamble recalls Small’s lifelong fight against injustice, exploitation, and political exclusion, which laid the foundations for citizen awareness and organized resistance. It acknowledges the scars of over two decades of authoritarian rule under former President Yahya Jammeh, characterized by human rights abuses, impunity, and suppression of freedoms. While the 2017 democratic transition restored key liberties and civic space, the document warns that progress remains incomplete and vulnerable to backsliding.
Signatories expressed deep concern over persistent challenges: corruption, weak accountability mechanisms, disregard for constitutionalism, socioeconomic exclusion, high youth unemployment, declining public trust in institutions, and civic disengagement. They affirmed that true democracy requires continuous struggle through informed citizens, independent institutions, and accountable leaders.
The Declaration’s core principles include:
- Human Rights and Dignity: Rights are inherent and non-negotiable; no justification can undermine them.
- Democracy and Constitutionalism: Power stems from the people and must follow the Constitution, not personal or elite interests.
- Accountability and Transparency: Impunity has no place; officials must face scrutiny, with openness in finances and decisions as a duty.
- Citizen Participation: Citizens are sovereign actors; access to information, education, association, and expression are vital to prevent authoritarian relapse.
- Youth, Inclusion, and Social Justice: Marginalization of youth, women, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable groups threatens stability; inclusion is essential.
- Transitional Justice: Truth, reparations, and reforms are needed for healing and to prevent recurrence of abuses.
- Civic Resistance: Non-violent, organized resistance remains legitimate when institutions fail.
In their commitments, the Centre and supporters pledged to defend rights, promote civic education, resist corruption and backsliding, bolster independent institutions and media, empower youth, and advance peaceful democratic change.
The Declaration concludes with a resolute pledge: to honor Small not merely in memory but through action, building a Gambia where rights are upheld, institutions serve citizens, and leadership remains accountable. It invokes Small’s spirit with updated slogans: “No Taxation Without Representation” and “No representation without respect for human rights, adherence to the rule of law and due process, and the effective delivery of public goods and services.”
The EFSCRJ, a human rights organization dedicated to promoting and protecting rights while drawing inspiration from Small, positions this Declaration as a collective national pledge.
