Empowering Voices and Shaping the Future by Fostering Dialogue on The Gambia’s Draft Constitution 

In 2024, The Gambia’s quest for enduring democratic reforms took a major step forward as stakeholders came together to create an inclusive environment for consultations on the Draft Constitution. Under the umbrella of the Gambia’s Responsive and Accountable Democratic Transition ‘EU-UNDP GREAT project’, the government institutions, civil society organizations, and community members have been mobilized to ensure that the new constitutional framework reflects the voices of citizens across all regions and social groups.

A central thrust of these efforts has been the facilitation of meaningful dialogue and open exchange on key constitutional provisions. By working closely with the National Council for Civic Education (NCCE), the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and civil society partners, the GREAT Project has reinforced the principle that public participation is vital for credible constitution-making. Not only have these institutions led campaigns and educational initiatives in local languages, but they have also convened forums where community leaders, youth, women, and persons with disabilities can articulate their concerns and aspirations.

One remarkable outcome of the collaboration has been the nationwide civic education drives. Through workshops, caravans, media broadcasts, and town hall meetings, thousands of Gambians have learned about their rights and responsibilities under the prospective Constitution. Crucially, these events were not just one-way communication channels; participants actively contributed feedback that shaped and sharpened constitutional provisions. This inclusive approach addresses persistent calls for deeper engagement at the grassroots level, particularly among communities that have historically felt marginalized or underrepresented. Guided by the principle that inclusive, participatory processes are essential for legitimacy and sustainability, the project reached around 203,543 people both online and offline, engaged almost 21 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), convened 34 dialogues, connected with 1,400 individuals through caravans, and sensitized 2,143 people. An estimated 200,000 additional individuals were reached through three TV telecasts and eight radio broadcasts, reinforced by strategically placed billboards that amplified public awareness.

Complementing the outreach campaigns, the NHRC organized a National Convergence in late 2024. The resulting communiqué, released on International Human Rights Day, underscored the critical need to restore constitutional principles like leadership and integrity elements many stakeholders believe are instrumental in promoting transparency and accountability. Additionally, it underscored the need for more frequent consultations with political parties, institutions, and special interest groups during the drafting stages, reinforcing the urgency of broader, more accessible forums for public input.

A significant contributor to these efforts, Gambia Participates amplified the outreach by venturing into remote communities across six regions. Bringing civic education directly to people’s doorsteps helped participants grasp key constitutional aspects in a format tailored to their local context. These sessions used storytelling, interactive exercises, and testimonials to translate complex legal text into relatable experiences, instilling optimism about a Constitution that truly resonates with citizens’ lived realities.