The Gambia recently reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Youth Connekt Sahel and advancing regional youth empowerment, institutionalizing the platform, and strengthening youth leadership across the Sahel region. This declaration was made during the Youth Connekt Sahel Forum 2026, held in Niamey, Niger, as the initiative moves into a new phase of regional institutionalization and structural development. The Gambia has consistently reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Youth Connekt Sahel, emphasizing its dedication to the initiative's core objectives. Bulli M. Dibba, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of The Gambia, represented Youth Minister Bakary Y. Badjie at the Youth Connekt Sahel Forum Steering committee meeting, also held recently in Niamey. The Gambia's renewed dedication emphasizes its role in fostering youth development within the broader Sahel context, particularly in advancing regional youth empowerment, institutionalizing the platform, and strengthening youth leadership across the Sahel.
Institutionalizing the Sahel Forum
Youth ministers and key stakeholders convened to advance discussions on the institutionalization, sustainability, and governance of the Youth Connekt Sahel Forum. The meeting brought together these key figures to collectively address the future trajectory of the initiative. This meeting addressed several key issues, including the formal institutionalization process of the forum itself, the validation of its Charter, and the establishment of its governance pillars. Procedures for hosting future editions of the forum were also discussed in detail. These discussions contributed significantly to the validation of the Youth Connekt Sahel Charter, which is intended to set up strong governance pillars and build a sustainable regional transformation platform. The full discussions focused on ensuring the long-term viability and effectiveness of the forum. Institutionalization efforts specifically focused on validating the charter, defining governance structures, and creating frameworks for hosting future iterations of the regional platform. The validation of the charter, the establishment of governance pillars, and the development of hosting frameworks are central to these institutionalization efforts. The Youth Connekt Sahel Forum was established as the first regional platform under the broader Youth Connekt Africa initiative, signaling its significance in regional youth development. This pioneering status shows its importance in the wider continental youth empowerment agenda.
Strengthening Youth Leadership and Policy
Policy influence efforts are concentrating on advancing youth involvement from basic civic participation to active decision-making roles. These efforts specifically aim at transitioning youth involvement from mere civic participation to more impactful roles in decision-making processes. High-level panels at the forum addressed critical issues such as fostering social cohesion, preventing violent extremism, and enhancing youth influence in public policies across the Sahel. These panels provided a vital platform for in-depth discussions on these pressing challenges. Hon. Jabou Sisaw, Speaker of the National Youth Parliament, specifically addressed the role of youth leadership in shaping public policy during the discussions, noting the critical contributions young leaders can make.
The Gambia remains committed to strengthening youth leadership, fostering regional solidarity, and ensuring meaningful youth participation in shaping the future of the Sahel. This commitment is a cornerstone of its engagement with the Youth Connekt Sahel initiative. Discussions throughout the event focused on ensuring that Youth Connekt Sahel evolves into a sustainable, legitimate, and effective regional platform. This platform is envisioned to drive economic, social, and civic transformation, while also strengthening regional cooperation. A key objective is to ensure that the priorities of young people across the Sahel are adequately reflected in continental youth policy processes, thereby giving a voice to the region's youth at a broader level. The collective discussions emphasized the importance of the forum becoming a strong and credible mechanism for achieving these transformative goals.
Gambia's Role and Future Vision
Bulli M. Dibba, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, addressed attendees during the Youth Connekt Sahel Forum, focusing on the critical issues of community security and peace dividends. His address showed the interconnectedness of security, peace, and youth development in the region. Discussions during the forum emphasized the importance of these elements for regional stability and development, recognizing them as foundational for any progress. Basiru Jaye, who serves as the Youth Connekt Focal Person for The Gambia, actively participated in the steering committee sessions, contributing to the strategic direction of the initiative.
The Committee also discussed mechanisms designed for monitoring and following up on commitments and recommendations that emerged from previous editions of the forum. This focus ensures continuity, particularly in alignment with the N’Djamena Declaration, which serves as a guiding document for the initiative's progress. Peace and security efforts within the Youth Connekt Sahel framework concentrate on fostering social cohesion across communities and the prevention of violent extremism throughout the region. These efforts are key for creating an environment conducive to youth empowerment and development. The full agenda of the Youth Connekt Sahel Forum 2026, reinforced by The Gambia's unwavering commitment, aims to build a resilient and prosperous future for the youth of the Sahel.
