21/08/2026
✊🏾🇬🇲 NATIONAL YOUTH DIALOGUE: A STEP FORWARD FOR CIVIC SPACE AND FREE ELECTIONS 🇬🇲✊🏾
Yesterday, on 20th August 2026, Amnesty International – Kanifing Municipality Group convened 100 youth leaders, human rights defenders, and institutional representatives at Alliance Française for the National Youth Dialogue on Civic Space, Peaceful Assembly & the 2026 Elections.
This was not simply an event. It was human rights work in action. We brought young people face to face with duty-bearers because civic space is not protected through silence—it is defended through engagement, scrutiny, and collective action.
We were honoured by the participation of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) , the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) , the National Assembly Select Committee on Human Rights & Constitutional Matters, and TANGO. The Ministry of Justice was unable to attend; we look forward to their continued engagement as we take forward the outcomes of this dialogue.
Our presenters delivered with clarity and conviction. Mr. Madi Jorbateh of The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice grounded participants in the law and lived realities of peaceful assembly. Mr. Omar Camara, Transnational Governance & Democracy Specialist, challenged young people to step into leadership in safeguarding the 2026 elections.
The roundtable discussion was the heart of the day. Youth participants asked direct questions, demanded accountability, and named their concerns. Institutional representatives responded not with slogans, but with commitments to listen and act. Many participants left with clarity where there had been confusion, and confidence where there had been fear.
This is what Amnesty International does. We do not simply talk about rights. We create the space for rights to be claimed, monitored, and protected.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Amnesty International Senegal for the support and solidarity that made this dialogue possible. Your partnership strengthens the movement across borders and reminds us that human rights have no nationality.
The work continues. The recommendations from this dialogue will be compiled and formally submitted to the invited institutions. We will monitor what happens next. We will follow up. We will keep the space open.
Youth. Rights. Elections. The time is now. ✊🏾
