Crisis Exclusion: Gambia Demands Disability in Disaster Prep

Brikama, West Coast Region — Disaster stakeholders issued a stark warning January 22: Persons with disabilities face deathly risks in emergencies due to exclusion from planning, early warnings, and evacuations, demanding immediate inclusion as a legal mandate.
Stakeholders in disaster risk management called for full inclusion of persons with disabilities in preparedness, response, and recovery, warning that exclusion exposes this vulnerable group to disproportionate risks. The call came during a sensitisation forum on 22 January 2026, organised by the National Advisory Council for Persons with Disabilities (NACPD) with the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) at the Gambia Teachers’ Union Hall in Brikama.
NACPD Chairperson Muhammed Krubally opened by noting disasters—climate, health, or human-induced—hit persons with disabilities hardest due to inaccessible warnings and planning gaps. “Persons wi
th disabilities are often excluded from disaster planning, yet they are among the most affected,” he said, calling inclusion a legal and moral duty under Section 8 and Section 68 of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2021, plus UNCRPD, African Charter, and Sendai Framework commitments. NDMA Operations Director Momodou B.K. Ceesay detailed the National Disaster Risk Management Policy 2024–2033, stressing accessible warnings, disability-disaggregated data, inclusive shelters, and OPD integration in drills. “Success depends on partnerships with OPDs and investment,” he said. West Coast NDMA Coordinator Binta Sey urged decentralised action, with local committees partnering OPDs for accessible messages, evacuations, and relief in disaster-prone areas. Ministry of Gender Social Welfare Officer Momodou Suwareh called the forum timely, noting social barriers amplify disability impacts.
Participants from NDMA, OPDs, government, and civil society identified gaps like inaccessible info, poor data, local capacity shortages, and funding shortfalls. Recommendations included OPD seats on committees, better communication, training, and dedicated budgets. The event ended with pledges for a disaster-resilient Gambia treating persons with disabilities as partners.

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