President Adama Barrow has told the UN Special Envoy for West Africa and the Sahel that his administration is committed to correcting the institutional and governance failures of the past regime.

Barrow made this statement in a closed door meeting with the United Nation’s Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, Dr. Muhammed Ibn Chambas, on Thursday at the State House in Banjul.

The president cited the works of the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC), which is engaging all sections of The Gambian society in its bid to produce a more inclusive and permanent constitution.

He made reference to the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission as a learning point for all Gambians that the truth will always come to light, no matter how long it takes.

Barrow also mentioned the electoral reforms being done by the Independent Electoral Commission towards modernizing and creating free, fair and transparent political engagements.

He said his government is determined to deliver on it promises of bringing progress and prosperity for all Gambians through the National Development Plan (NDP). He added that the Strategic Policy Implementation Unit at the Office of the President is set to better coordinate institutional reforms, optimize performance and result of government programmes under the NDP.

President Barrow commended Dr. Ibn Chambas for taking leadership role in negotiating for the support of the United Nations in The Gambia during the political impasse in 2016.

He assured him of his political will in the management of the change that was meant to bring about proper institutional reforms for all citizens to enjoy their full potentials.

Speaking to the State House press corps after the closed-door session, the UN envoy, Dr. Ibn Chambas, expressed satisfaction with the assurances of the president to continue carrying out real reforms that would consolidate good governance and democracy.

“We got the assurances of the President that continuous progress will be made in the implementation of the NDP because that is what will bring the dividends of the democracy,” the UN envoy said.   

The visit has afforded the UN delegation an opportunity to pay courtesy calls on a number of commissions set up by the government to implement the various reform initiatives.

“I must say that we are very pleased with the progress that is being made. We have all seen the TRRC making headlines internationally,” Dr. Chambas said.

“It is important work, given what The Gambia has gone through in the 22 years of the former regime.”

Dr. Ibn Chambas was accompanied by a United Nations delegation, including the Resident Coordinator of the UN in The Gambia, Madam Seraphine Wakana.