A
consortium of Gambian Fula tribes call Tabital Pulaagu Mbo Gambia have elected
Seedy Dem from Marakisa in Kombo Central as their new president at the group’s
first constituted congress at the Friendship Hostel in Bakau, over the
weakened.
More
than 300 delegates across the country attended the congress, including invitees
from Senegal and Mauritania. The Association was created to foster unity among
members and the Fula people in general. It also targets to develop and promote
Pulaar to be a writable and readable language.
At
the congress, Saidou Sowe was also elected first vice president, Jainaba Sowe
as second vice president, Geda Jawo as third vice president, Lamin Bah as
secretary general and Alieu Jallow as PRO, alongside other nominated members.
Mamma
Kandeh, leader of opposition Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) emphasised the
importance of unity among the Fula tribes, while describing the congress as the
first of its kind in The Gambia.
According
to him, it is necessary to attend the convergent because Allah had destined him
to be a Fula, saying, “I cannot be a member of any other tribe apart from the
tribe that Allah destined me to be. I am not interested with any position but
unity among Fulas because no development can be accomplished in the absence of
unity,” he said.
Outgoing
President Omar Sompo Ceesay refuted claims that Fulas are not united, saying
“Despite the disunity among Fulas, we are all one and the same.”
He
called on Gambian Fulas to be united for their own benefit, saying that is the
only way they can achieve their fundamental objectives as an Association.
Public
relations officer Alieu Jallow said the organisation is non-political but
targets to foster unity and harmony among Fulas in The Gambia and to help in
addressing their challenges.
Ousman
Sowe, President of Fulbeh Africa described the event as the greatest activity
organised by Gambia Fulas. He appealed to them to unite towards the attainment
of their objectives. “We will all rally behind the elders and I am therefore
appealing to all the elders to guide us to advance the Fula tribe,” he urged.
Cherno
Ousman Bah, an executive member called on Fulas to respect the constitution of
The Gambia and to avoid anything that can be detrimental to peace and stability
of the country.