The West Coast Region came alive at the weekend as Beakanyang, a prominent human rights and development organization, concluded a landmark two-day Reconciliation and Unity Festival in Brikama Kabafita.
The event, part of the organization’s Badinbung project, drew hundreds of participants from across the North Bank and West Coast Regions with a common goal: to foster peace, promote justice, and heal the wounds of past human rights violations.
Rooted in traditional African mechanisms of conflict resolution, the Badinbung – a Mandinka term loosely meaning “family house” or “place of togetherness”- was revived as part of Beakanyang’s broader contribution to the national Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC) process. The festival provided a platform for victims and perpetrators of historical injustices to meet, share their stories, and reconcile in an atmosphere of openness and healing.
In his closing remarks, Imam Omar Bojang, Chairman of the initiative, hailed the project’s success in resolving numerous community disputes and called on all stakeholders to continue supporting its expansion. “With more backing, this initiative can transform more communities,” he said.
Executive Director of Beakanyang, Nfamara Jawneh, thanked participants, especially victims of past violations, for embracing the spirit of healing. “We are pleased to revive Badinbung, an African Traditional Justice Mechanism that unites communities, promotes justice, and restores broken relationships,” he stated, while also acknowledging support from the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, NCAC, and GTBoard.
Sintet’s Alkalo Lamin Badgie spoke of Badinbung’s positive impact on his community, calling on government to adopt the mechanism nationally. “It has restored relationships that many thought were beyond repair,” he said.
Juliet Ugwu, Project Coordinator of the African Transitional Justice Legacy Fund (ATJLF), described the initiative as a powerful tool for reconciliation. “ATJLF recognizes Badinbung as an effective mechanism for promoting peace and justice. We supported it in URR in 2021, and are proud to do so again in WCR,” she affirmed.
Representing the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Deputy Permanent Secretary Siaka Fadera presided over the opening, reaffirming his ministry’s support. “We highly appreciate and recommend the Badinbung Festival. It is a culturally grounded initiative with real transformative potential,” he said.
Tanang Tamba, a facilitator of the Badingbung and Chairman of Sintet’s Village Development Committee, added that Badinbung had helped many in the community reconnect after falling apart. “People who were not on speaking terms are now talking again thanks to this approach,” he said.
As The Gambia continues its journey towards truth, justice, and national healing, grassroots initiatives like Badinbung highlight the enduring power of traditional wisdom. Beakanyang’s efforts offer a compelling example of how local customs can be harnessed to build lasting peace and unity across communities.
