The Daily Observer (Banjul)
Hatab Fadera
7 July 2009
The Gambia was recently showcased as a model in refugee and migrant integration at a high profile international conference in Cyprus, at an academic presentation by one Seyaka Sohna, a renowned Gambian academic who specialises in refugee, migration and humanitarian issues and is based in the United Kingdom.
The conference, described by Sohna as successful, was attended by academics, activists from various non-governmental organisations, various government officials, representatives of the United Nation High Commission for Refugees, students, and scores of international observers from institutions operating in the areas of migration, human rights, humanitarian intervention, amongst others.
According to Seyaka, his presentation, 'Gambia: A model for refugee and migrant integration in sub-Saharan Africa' was well received by participants and organisers of the conference. As a Gambian academic on migration and refugee issues, Sohna said he always uses The Gambia extensively in his numerous presentations and researches, with the aim of projecting the country in the global arena of conflict resolution. He noted that such a global presence in international conflict resolution would go a long way to placing The Gambia in the elite group of countries like Nigeria and South Africa which are internationally acclaimed in this area. "All this has been made possible by our great leader, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh," Seyaka stated in an interview with this paper.
He continued "The presentation fulfilled two major functions; first it portrayed The Gambia as a model country with a population of less than 1.7 million people that accommodates huge numbers of refugees and migrants. Secondly, it has put The Gambia in the academic arena of forced migration studies."
According to him, a lot has been learnt from that conference, which he said will benefit the country in its endeavour to implement policies in the areas of migration and refugees. "It also provides room to expose The Gambia as a country that has played a major role in refugee, migrant and conflict resolution issues, most importantly to attract donor agencies to recognise and give the appropriate financial assistance and support that the country deserves," the Gambian refugee and migration expert noted.
Seyaka Sohna used the opportunity to commend the vice president and minister of Women's Affairs - Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy, the National Assembly member for Serrekunda West - Honourable Sulayman Joof, Tumbul K Danso - managing director of Social Security and Housing Finance Cooperation, and all other stakeholders for their immense support.
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