By Mama A. Touray
Muhammed Sandeng, eldest son to the deceased in his message of gratitude said his father epitomized peace, and a national hero for Gambians.
Mr. Sandeng said this at the tribute service of his father, as the state hand over the remains of Solo sandeng to the family for proper burial. “Today we gather in somber reflection on the life of a man who epitomizes peace, symbolizes a national hero to all Gambians.
“14th April 2016, my family paid the ultimate price of being born to a person who believed, we were unceremoniously fazed with the most tragic loss of our beloved father which changes the whole of our life trajectories for good, towards seemingly endless uncertainty, loss of a home, fear and refugee status.”
Mr. Sandeng added that for over six years, they lived with the sorrowful and traumatic experience of such lost. While continuing that for him, it is one of reflection on the untimely abrupt and devastating loss of his beloved father.
“In our lost, a country gained an opportune moment to unite towards a new beginning and towards prosperity as a nation out of the selfless actions of a man who was fully conscious of the gruesome consequences that maybe fall him.
He continued: “Despite the frightening reality of facing torture, electrocution and the worse of human conditions he decided to give his life up for the greater good.”
He said these were the words of his late father on record before he embarked on that fateful and defining crusade “If giving up my life is what will free the people of our country, then I am willing to be the sacrificial lamb”.
More so, Muhammed added that “What make an ordinary man extraordinary are the principles and values he lives by. Solo Sandeng strived to ensure that we enjoy a democratic and freedom Gambia, in continuing his legacy it is a duty for all to protect and preserve these wherever we may be. He embarked on this crusade in the interest of country but at the detriment of his family.”
Mr Sandeng stressed that It is no doubt that “We all have a stake in carrying forward the legacy of Solo Sandeng as Gambians yet the people who are better situated to continue his legacy have the greater task at which they constantly falter.”
