Young people through the National Youth Parliament have called on President Adama Barrow to address the nation on what next steps are they for the draft constitution.
In a statement signed by Fatou M Jawo deputy speaker, the young people savaged the decision by NAMs to reject the draft constitution and said it was a stab on their back.
They said: “This decision is a stab on the back of young people! The life of many young people in the country is mired in a sea of uncertainty and hopelessness. Young people across the country continue to face daunting challenges in their everyday lives.
“Access to higher education remains a major problem, the few that manage to gain this education face numerous stumbling blocks on their journey to a better life, with job opportunities virtually non-existent, forcing many to seek opportunities elsewhere.
“And when this document appeared to provide a ray of hope by making access to employment, education, training, as well as protection of young people from all forms of abuses a right, you deliberately blocked it. In this document, youth empowerment is a right not a privilege and rejecting it means you do not care about the empowerment of young people.
“As young people, we feel heartbroken, betrayed and rejected by your actions. And September 22nd 2020, will forever be remembered by us as a Day of Betrayal.
“To the President, His Excellency Adama Barrow, in times like this, you cannot remain silent. Your government tabled this bill to the National Assembly and it is only wise that you speak up. You promise us this constitution and it is your duty to chart a way forward by clearly detailing what the future holds for this document.
“Therefore, we demand that you (President Barrow) to urgently address the country on the next step for the Draft Constitution, 2020.
“We are equally calling on National Assembly members to put aside their differences and work towards finding a common ground before this bill is re-tabled for reconsideration which we hope will happen in the soonest possible time.”
