Musa Ousainou Yali Batchilly, secretary-general and party leader Gambia Action Party(GAP) has emphasized that his party is committed to religious tolerance that nation is known for more than half a century.
In a nationwide Christmas message he said, “In our quest to maintain peace and stability in the Gambia, GAP led government will give zero tolerance to the religious violence, inequality and discrimination amongst religious groups in the country.
He added: “During the moment when our nation is surrounded by uncertainty, we always bonded ourselves together backed by commonalities, love of country, love of life and pursue of happiness coupled with mutual respect, love and interest for the betterment of our nation.”
He said this avail us the much needed time to live in harmony regardless of our religious views and affiliations.
“The Gambian citizenry celebrates all the feasts together, whether one is Muslim or Christian and this trend shall be maintained by a GAP led administration. We urge everyone to value human existence, peace and tranquility as well as maturity in handling our individual differences. To our Christian brothers and sisters in the Gambia and around the world, we wish you a joyous Christmas celebration.
The 2020 Christmas festival is different from the previous celebrations, cognizant of the fact that life still remains different as so many lives are lost, infected with COVID-19, misplaced or hampered by the pandemic and social distancing be adhered. We hope that next year’s event will be back to normalcy where families, friends and loved ones will sit around the round tables to celebrate at the usual way without fears of the virus,” he said.
Bakary Bunja Darbo, secretary-general Gambia For All Party (GAF) said The Gambia historically has been known to be one of the most tolerant societies in the world, with members of different religious communities living happily together.
“Despite challenges to this harmonious order, the people of the Gambia have largely held together, and continue to resist any attempt to divide us based on ethnic or religious lines.
The Gambia for All Party symbolizes this characteristic Gambian idea of tolerance and diversity; in spirit, structure, and ideology,” he said.
Kebba Jallow, interim leader of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) said: “It has been in our tradition that both Christians and Muslims celebrate and honour each other feast yearly, this has demonstrated the religious tolerance of Gambians, and we must continue to nurture and guard such a tradition jealously.”