By: Momodou Justice Darboe
The Amir of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaa’t in The Gambia, Baba F. Trawally, has said the Gambia’s 59th independence anniversary was a huge achievement for all Gambians as it was marked in an atmosphere of peace, harmony, brotherhood and stability.
“We are very much pleased and grateful to Allah Almighty for blessing us with the opportunity to witness yet another special occasion of Independence anniversary. On Sunday 18th February 2024, our dear and beloved country, the great nation of The Gambia, and her people witnessed and celebrated her 59thIndependence anniversary. This is indeed a very big achievement for all of us because we are witnessing this occasion in a state of peace, harmony, brotherhood and stability. This should draw our attention to the importance of maintaining and nurturing the great asset we have as a country which is peace,” said Amir Trawally in his independence message.
“By the grace of Allah Almighty, we have been witnessing and enjoying peace in this country and despite our differences, ethnicity, religion, beliefs, faith, and political affiliation, we continue to live side by side as one people and as brothers and sisters. This spirit we should always continue, and we should find avenues where we can continue and promote the peaceful atmosphere that we enjoy,” he added.
The Amir commended President Barrow, political party leaders, religious leaders, elders, and all other stakeholders for initiating and conducting the National Dialogue which “when followed and recommendations implanted and taken heed to can take our beloved country to newer levels and open many other opportunities and promote peace”.
“We may have different and divergent views, opinions, and beliefs but we should always see The Gambia first and whenever it comes to The Gambia, we should leave all our differences behind and unite to take the country forward. The foundations we lay today will be our legacy and if we lay a good foundation, our future generations will always be grateful to us,” he stressed.
He, however, lamented that the country has witnessed many unfortunate events, adding that the wiping out of crime and insecurity in “our communities and environments” should be everybody’s business.
“We should all be vigilant and work hand in hand with law enforcement agencies and always be alert for our individual and national security,” the Amir admonished.
“Every citizen and resident of this great Nation of ours has a role to play and that role is to always make sure that we maintain the peace and harmony of this country and work towards her development, progress and prosperity,” he added.
“On that note, on behalf of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat The Gambia and on my own humble behalf, I am extending our heartfelt and sincere congratulations and prayers to His Excellency Mr. Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia, the First Family, the entire cabinet, government, political and religious leaders, traditional leaders, citizens and non-citizens residing in the country our sincere HAPPY INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY and Allah Almighty make this auspicious occasion be a source of purity, piety and righteousness. Ameen,” he stated.
“May Allah Almighty encompass and embrace our beloved country The Gambia with His grace and mercy and raise the country to higher heights, success, and progress under the bondage of brotherhood and unity, and may He be our helper and always be with us all and make us continue to enjoy and cherish the existing peace, security, stability and prosperity forever and ever. Ameen,” concluded Amir Trawally.
