By Kemo Kanyi
President Adama Barrow has called on Gambians to reject tribalism and strengthen national unity, saying collective efforts and peaceful coexistence are essential to the country’s development.
Addressing residents of Mahlima Village in Niamina West during his ongoing Meet-the-People-Tour, President Barrow urged citizens to see themselves as members of one family, regardless of their ethnic backgrounds.
“I want us to consider ourselves as people of the same mother and father. This person is a Fula, Mandinka, Wollof, or any other tribe is not a wise consideration. It has no use. Do you know what is important? The work we collectively do to benefit ourselves and develop our country. This is what is meaningful,” he said.
The president argued that surnames such as Barrow, Darboe and Jeng were merely social identifiers and should not determine how people relate to one another. He added that every ethnic group had both good and bad individuals, questioning the benefits of promoting tribal divisions.
He also referred to the religious ties between Gambians, noting that Muslims and Christians shared a common national identity.
President Barrow attributed his government’s development achievements to the peace and stability prevailing in the country, urging citizens to protect these conditions.
Turning to the December 5 presidential election, he criticized unnamed political aspirants, alleging that some lacked an understanding of farmers’ needs and the challenges facing rural communities.
He questioned whether such politicians could effectively support farming communities, arguing that candidates seeking public office should understand agriculture and the livelihoods of rural residents.
President Barrow further cautioned farmers against accepting gifts from politicians in exchange for votes, warning them not to allow material inducements to influence their electoral choices.
He said his government had delivered significant development projects in Niamina since coming to power in 2016 and urged residents to continue supporting his administration.