Hundreds
of spectators and cultural groups from across the Upper River Region –URR-
Thursday, November 28, gathered at Sutukonding village Bantaba in Wuli West
District for the maiden edition of URR Unity Festival.
The
festival which attracted participants from different political parties, tribes,
young and old, was organised by Beakanyang Kafo and funded and supported by the
International Republican Institute (IRI).
Yahya Sumareh, board chairman of Beakanyang
reiterated his organisation’s commitment in promoting political tolerance,
pluralism and peace in the region, while commending the IRI for supporting the
Gambia through its democratic transition.
Executive
Director of Beakanyang Nfamara Jawuneh, thanked the people of URR especially
those of Wuli West, Sandu, Jimara and Kantora for their large turnout at the
festival.
According
to him, the aim of the URR Unity Festival, which was anchored on hashtag #URR Kankiling, was to provide a unique
opportunity for the people of the region to celebrate their diversity and to
promote social cushion and tolerance among themselves.
He
urged the people of the region not to allow politics to divide them, saying
they should instead embraced one another while respecting each other’s’ rights
to political participation and other fundamental rights.
“We
all know that the developments going on in the region, such as roads and bridge
construction will be hampered if there is no peace in the region and the country
as a whole,” he said.
Alhagie
Kijera, Sutukonding ward councilor urged people of the region to forgive each
other and reconcile among themselves.
Mariama
Trawalleh, a female representative at Basse Area Council urged women to be
active participants in politics but urged them not to allow it to destroy their
relationships.
Alieu
Kebbeh, chairperson of URR Inter-Party Youth Committee thanked Beakanyang for
organising such an important activity for the people of the region.
He
used the opportunity to call on the government to provide more support to the
young people of the region, while urging youth themselves to remain proactive
and to effectively participate in the development of the nation.
In
his opening remarks, Momodou Jallow, representative of the Head Chief of Wuli
West applauded Beakanyang for their innovative ways of engaging communities in
the region.
According
to him, as local authorities, they were pleased to be associated with such
progressive activities.
He
advised participants to embrace peace and tolerance while reaffirming their
resolve in supporting such activities in the region.
Speaking
earlier, Alkalo of Sutukonding, Mawdo Jatta and Youth Leader of Sutukonding
Alhagie Jawuneh thanked Beakanyang for choosing their community for such an
important event and welcomed the participants to join the ambience.
Meanwhile, all the tribes in the region
including Fula, Mandingo and Sarahule showcased their rich cultures at the
festival as well as local artists and drama performances by youth.
