Insider mediation is a tool used to support negotiations - as well as a variety of other forms of dialogue - to prevent, manage and resolve conflict at different levels of society. In collaboration with the European Union, UNDP and partners conducted extensive consultations to identify and train local level insider mediators within The Gambia. Among those selected was Absa Jallow from Jangjangbureh, whose inspiring journey exemplifies the power of resilience and dedication to community peacebuilding

In 2017, Absa’s dreams of a better life abroad came crashing down, forcing her to return home to The Gambia. Facing disgrace, stigma, and rejection from her family, she carved out a new life by starting a new business, which she successfully ran for several years before venturing into teaching. Since September 2023, Absa has been teaching Grades 10 and 11 at Armitage Senior High School in Jangjangbureh, where she runs the school’s Peace Club with 60 members.  

Despite her personal achievements, Absa is proud of her achievements and is thankful for the opportunity she has been given, she is also very keen on helping fellow young migrant returnees. 

Accordingly, Absa remains passionate about helping fellow young migrant returnees. She observes that many young male returnees turn to crime and violence due the social stigma and a lack of alterative avenues to express their anger and frustration. Female returnees, she notes, are particularly vulnerable to various forms of abuse and discrimination. 

“When we have issues as returnees, no one takes their time to hear our side of the story because we are seen as nobodies. For the boys especially, they are immediately blamed for every crime or problem in the community. Although many of them do get involved in crime and violence, I think it will be good to have a fellow returnee speaking to them to help resolve some of these issues and encourage them to find better ways to improve their lives. Most of the time when I meet returnees and try to speak with them, the first response I get is that no one understands them. But then I go on to share my own experiences as a returnee and immediately they begin to open up to me,” Absa shared.

The training Absa received in mediation, negotiation and dialogue facilitation equips her to handle disputes, especially those involving returnees. She aims for better integration and inclusion of returnee migrants, hoping to serve as a role model for young returnees, helping them address their internal conflicts and embrace opportunities for  peace rather than violence. 

“We talk about inclusion of women and youth, but we must also talk about inclusion of specific vulnerable groups like migrant returnees. It’s good to have women and youth mediators because their fellow women and youth will feel safe to confide in them. I think it’s also important to have more migrant returnees as community mediators because our fellow returnees are more likely to trust us, confide in us and listen to us. Being a returnee is a very specific experience and if you have not experienced it yourself, it is difficult to understand the desperation, frustration and anger that pushes many of the young ones to crime and violence.”

Through the EU-funded Insider Mediation initiative, UNDP will continue to support the participation of women, youth and vulnerable groups in conflict management. Sustainable peace requires collective effort, ensuring no one is left behind. Absa Jallow’s story is a testament to the impact of inclusive peacebuilding and the transformative power of understanding and support.