By: Fatou Krubally
Former APRC Chairman for Bakau Sanchaba and divisional youth adviser in KMC, Alhaji Basiru Gassama, has paid glowing tribute to the late Hon. Dembo Bojang, fondly known as “Dembo By Force Malanka”, who was laid to rest on Friday, August 29, 2025.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Voice, Gassama described Bojang as a mentor, a unifier, and a man of honesty who commanded respect across Bakau and beyond. “Dembo started contesting elections in 1978 under the NCP ticket and defeated strong opponents like Mamaranding Bojang and Lt. Col. Sam Sillah. The “kanyilang” women of Bakau gave him the name Malanka By Force because of his resilience,” Gassama recalled.
He noted that Bojang’s influence extended across generations, having later joined the UDP after the 1994 coup and contested under their ticket in 1996. Despite political shifts, Bojang maintained loyalty to his people and remained accessible to all. “He never passed anyone without greeting them. That is why both Christians and Muslims, young and old, loved him,” Gassama said.
Reflecting on the broader lessons from Bojang’s political career, Gassama urged Gambians to embrace tolerance and unity as the nation moves toward the 2026 elections. “Politics should not divide us. There is no permanent seat of power. What matters is the legacy you leave behind,” he emphasized.
Gassama also applauded President Adama Barrow and opposition leader Ousainou Darboe for personally attending Dembo Bojang’s burial, describing their presence as a powerful symbol of unity beyond party lines. He said their joint attendance reflected the respect Bojang commanded across the political divide and urged Gambians to draw inspiration from that moment of togetherness.
Bojang’s burial brought together Gambians from different political parties and backgrounds, a testimony to his reputation as a leader who placed community above partisan divisions. For Gassama, that is the enduring lesson of Dembo By Force’s life: respect, humility, and service to the people.