As Mediators Confab gets Underway

A three day capacity building refresher training for mediators kicked-off yesterday at the Baobab Holiday Resort with pertinent issues on conflict resolution, peace building and its impact on the socio-economic and political development in society, forming part of the deliberations.

Organised by the African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS) in collaboration with Action-Aid The Gambia, the training is geared towards constantly nurturing the mechanisms of the Alternative Dispute Resolution so as to broaden the capacities of those dealing with conflict resolution.

Mediators, drawn from all over the country are expected among other things to deliberate on issues relating to limitations or legal implications of mediation in law, empowerment of women for peace building and mediation, Alternative Dispute Resolution methods as well as strategies, mediation and good governance.

Also part of the discussions would be issues dealing with dispute or conflict and its impact on socio-economic and political development in society, importance of mediation in conflict resolution towards building and maintaining peace in society and mediation with formal courts and its implications on society.

In a statement delivered on her behalf by Dr. Ebrima Lowe, Chief Executive Officer, Alternative Dispute Resolution Secretariat, Mrs. Marie Saine-Firdaus, Attorney General and Secretary of State for Justice, underscored the importance her department attaches towards nurturing the mechanisms of the Alternative Dispute Resolution.

“The ADR mechanisms such as mediation, arbitration, negotiation, and conciliation are indeed to be constantly well nurtured so that capacities of those dealing with conflict resolution would be broadened and in turn benefit parties involved,” she indicated.

“Having a well focused vision and mission,” she added, “it is imperative to take cognizance of the fact that one of the ultimate objectives is that we live in a period of attracting foreign investors and one of the salient ways among the many attractions is to have in place effective and efficient dispute resolution mechanism.”

SOS Saine-Firdaus noted that it is evident that the Alternative Dispute Resolution encompasses an uncontrollable number of benefits. This, she went on, includes the provision of more satisfying results, allows more flexibility control and participation, facilitates a better understanding of cases and reduces or clears out hostilities between parties.

For her part Mrs. Hannah Foster, Executive Director of the African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies reiterated the importance of the project under the African Transformative Justice System, the success of which she hopes will be emulated by other countries in the sub-region.   

Other speakers on the occasion include Mr. Mabasa Faal, Member of the Executive Council of the ACDHRS , Mr. Dembo Santang Bojang, chief of Kombo Central, among others.