Clingendael Trains Gambian Officials in Alternative Dispute Resolution
For the first time since its inception, the Clingendael Peace Negotiations Programme delivered a four-day specialised training on Alternative Dispute Resolution, covering mediation, negotiation, arbitration, and conciliation. The training, designed for staff of The Gambia’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Secretariat (ADRS), took place in Banjul from 27 September to 2 October 2025 and was organized in cooperation with the EU-UNDP GREAT Project.
Operating under The Gambia’s Ministry of Justice and within the country’s plural legal system, the ADRS plays a central role in promoting accessible and non-adversarial mechanisms for conflict resolution nationwide. The Secretariat advances arbitration, mediation, and conciliation, linking formal courts, Cadi courts, and customary tribunals to help reduce case backlogs and deliver more effective and timely justice for all Gambians.
The training strengthened staff expertise in core ADR principles, built mediation and negotiation skills through interactive exercises, and promoted peer learning through international and local exchanges, thereby supporting national efforts to enhance access to justice.
One participant noted: “Your professionalism, patience, and passion for sharing knowledge made every session engaging and impactful. The insights and skills we gained are invaluable. You empowered us to approach our work and the world with greater thoughtfulness and confidence.”
