By Kemo Kanyi
Former Gambian President, Yahya Jammeh has urged his supporters to reject tribal politics, saying his government was never associated with divisive forms of governance.
Addressing the breakaway faction of the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC) loyal to him on Friday, Jammeh said The Gambia would be better governed and developed if tribalism was not allowed to dominate the country’s political discourse.
“I can raise my hands and say that I am the only Gambian leader who, without an iota of doubt, is not tribalist. Allah is my witness, and I don’t need to labour on that elaboration. We can work together and build a Gambia free from tribalism,” he said.
Jammeh said he wanted to see a Gambia in which every citizen could take pride, adding that the name of his party should inspire patriotic Gambians to promote national unity and contribute constructively to national development.
He also expressed concern over what he described as threatening statements made by some supporters of his faction, saying such utterances had frightened some party members who had either left or were considering leaving the faction.
Jammeh called on those responsible to refrain from such statements, saying this would contribute to the growth and unity of the party.
He further urged his supporters to remain calm and contribute to maintaining peace in the country.
The former president also advised his sympathizers to ignore individuals who continue to insult him, urging them not to respond to provocation.