By Fatou Krubally
The Guinean community in The Gambia on Friday celebrated the country’s 68th Independence Anniversary at a ceremony held at Coco Ocean Hotel in Bijilo.
The celebration brought together Gambian government officials, diplomats, United Nations representatives and members of the Conakry Guinean diplomatic mission.
The event, organized by the Office of the Chargé d’Affaires of Guinea in The Gambia, featured cultural displays and speeches highlighting the historical ties, friendship and cooperation between the two West African countries.
Speaking at the ceremony, Amadou Alansa Camara, a representative of the Consulate General of Guinea in The Gambia, underscored the strong bilateral relations between the two countries, citing their shared history, cultural connections and mutual cooperation.
In his remarks on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Lamin Fatty, Director of African Affairs, highlighted the historic ties and enduring friendship between The Gambia and Guinea Conakry.
Mr Fatty said Guinea’s struggle for independence, led by the late President Ahmed Sékou Touré and his compatriots, served as an inspiration to many African countries, including The Gambia.
“The sacrifices of those men and women continue to shape the destiny of Guinea and inspire generations across Africa,” he said.
He noted that relations between the two countries were deeply rooted in their shared history, geographical proximity, cultural connections and longstanding bonds of solidarity.
The vibrant Guinean community in The Gambia, he added, was a reflection of the strong people-to-people ties that have sustained cooperation between the two countries over the years.
Mr Fatty also highlighted progress in bilateral cooperation, particularly in security, infrastructure, energy and education, while reaffirming both countries’ commitment to strengthening relations through cultural exchanges, youth engagement and regional integration.
“The Government of The Gambia stands ready to deepen cooperation with the Government of Guinea in pursuit of peace, stability and prosperity for our peoples,” he declared.
He reaffirmed The Gambia’s solidarity and friendship with Guinea, wishing the Guinean people continued peace, stability and development.
Guinea attained independence from France on October 2, 1958, under the leadership of Ahmed Sékou Touré, becoming the first French-speaking country in sub-Saharan Africa to gain independence from France.
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