Omar Sillah
Summary
Peacebuilding and conflict resolution professional with over 15 years of experience in interreligious dialogue, reconciliation initiatives, and community-based peace efforts across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. PhD-trained in Political Science and International Relations with a strong focus on diplomacy, non-intervention, and social cohesion. Founder of an interreligious conflict resolution center and published author on peace, coexistence, and pluralism. Fluent in multiple global and regional languages, with proven ability to engage diverse stakeholders, facilitate dialogue, and support stability-focused programs in fragile and multicultural contexts.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Security Professional
Allied Universal
United States
01.2015 - Current
- Maintained safe and orderly environments in diverse, high-traffic settings through situational awareness, de-escalation, and conflict-sensitive communication.
- Interacted daily with individuals from diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, ensuring professionalism and calm response.
- Applied interpersonal and observational skills directly relevant to community stabilization and frontline engagement roles.
Founder & Director
Center for Interreligious Dialogue, Tolerance, Reconciliation and Conflict Resolution
The Gambia
01.2003 - Current
- Founded and led a civil-society initiative focused on interreligious dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and reconciliation in multi-faith communities.
- Designed and facilitated dialogue sessions, workshops, retreats, and public lectures addressing religious tension, social fragmentation, and peacebuilding.
- Engaged religious leaders, youth, civil society actors, and international partners to promote tolerance, non-violence, and community cohesion.
- Represented the organization in national and international conferences, interfaith platforms, and policy-adjacent discussions.
- Contributed to prevention-oriented peace efforts by addressing root causes of conflict, identity-based tension, and misinformation at the community level.
Senior Assistant Secretary
Department of State for Local Governments & Lands – Government of The Gambia
The Gambia
01.2005 - 01.2006
- Supported implementation of government protocol and coordination for major national and intergovernmental events.
- Assisted with stakeholder engagement, logistical coordination, and formal communications involving senior officials and external partners.
- Strengthened understanding of public administration, state-civil society interaction, and governance processes.
Cadet & Personnel Administrative Officer
Personnel Management Office, Office of the President – The Gambia
The Gambia
01.2003 - 01.2005
- Provided administrative and personnel support within the Personnel Management Office under President’s Office, including records management and coordination.
- Gained early exposure to state institutions, governance, and public service operations in a post-conflict regional context.
Education
PhD - Political Science & International Relations
Pontifical University of St. Thomas (Angelicum)
Rome, Italy01-2013
Licentiate (MA-Equivalent) - Political Science & International Relations
Pontifical Angelicum University
Rome, Italy01-2010
MA - Religious Studies (Christianity)
Pontifical Gregorian University
Rome, Italy01-2008
Diploma - International Cooperation and Development
Scuola di Politica Internazionale
Rome, Italy01-2007
Higher Diploma / MA-Level Degree - Islamic Civilization & Sciences
Ezzaituna University
Tunis, Tunisia01-2003
Skills
- Peacebuilding & Reconciliation Programming
- Conflict Analysis & Dialogue Facilitation
- Interreligious & Intercultural Engagement
- Social Cohesion & Community Stabilization
- Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE) – Community-based Approaches
- Stakeholder Engagement & Public Diplomacy
- Program Coordination & Implementation
- Multilingual Communication & Cultural Mediation
- Research, Policy Analysis & Reporting
Certification
- Certificate in Religious Pluralism, Shalom Hartman Institute (Jerusalem)
- Fellowship & Training, Interreligious Dialogue, Russell Berrie Foundation & IIE
- Training, Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue (Holy See)
- Workshops with United Nations, World Trade Organization & Government of The Gambia
- Peer Health Education Training (HIV/AIDS, Substance Abuse)
- Workshops on the prevention of harmful traditional practices and community education
LANGUAGES
Fluent: English, Arabic, French, Italian
Native & Regional Fluency: Jahanka, Mandinka, Wolof, Jula
Conversational: Fula
Timeline
Security Professional
Allied Universal
01.2015 - Current
Senior Assistant Secretary
Department of State for Local Governments & Lands – Government of The Gambia
01.2005 - 01.2006
Founder & Director
Center for Interreligious Dialogue, Tolerance, Reconciliation and Conflict Resolution
01.2003 - Current
Cadet & Personnel Administrative Officer
Personnel Management Office, Office of the President – The Gambia
01.2003 - 01.2005
Licentiate (MA-Equivalent) - Political Science & International Relations
Pontifical Angelicum University
MA - Religious Studies (Christianity)
Pontifical Gregorian University
Diploma - International Cooperation and Development
Scuola di Politica Internazionale
Higher Diploma / MA-Level Degree - Islamic Civilization & Sciences
Ezzaituna University
PhD - Political Science & International Relations
Pontifical University of St. Thomas (Angelicum)
PUBLICATIONS & THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
- The Encyclical Pacem in Terris and World Peace: A Muslim Perspective (Book, 2019)
- Multi-Faith and Multicultural Coexistence: Gambia Under the Spotlight (2021)
- Universal Human Collaboration, Coordination and Solidarity for Peace and Coexistence, Journal of African Christian and Muslim Reflections (2021)
- Additional articles on interfaith coexistence and peace models (ongoing)