The
Gambian leader, President Adama Barrow, has affirmed that since the Gambia’s
most important resource is her human resources, the country “cannot therefore
afford to be divided, not according to religion or tribe”.
“Unity
is our strength and this must be embraced and cherished by all Gambians. My
government is firmly committed to that unity which is the bedrock of our
collective national security and identity,” President Barrow said in his first
Eid address to the nation at the weekend.
According
to statistics, The Gambia is more than 90 per cent Muslims and occasions like
the Eid are an opportunity for the country’s past leaders to send messages to
the population.
However,
analysts believed the president’s address at the weekend was directed to
entrench unity and peaceful co-existence in harmony in the country.
“Moral
and ethical values prescribed by our great religion, Islam, must be brought to
bear on our attitudes and efforts as we collectively seek to build the new
Gambia based on rule of law, tolerance, and devotion to nation building,” the
president said.
“With
these values, we will be able to achieve the much needed change of attitude to
restore the country to its former glory - a Gambia with a vibrant economy which
works for everyone and leaves no one behind especially the youths and women.”
He
noted that Eid is an opportunity to reaffirm values of gratitude, compassion,
and generosity and to give thanks for the spiritual renewal and many blessings
received throughout the holy month of Ramadan.
“As
we celebrate the day, it is important to reflect on the teachings and
significance of this auspicious day,” he said, adding that the day is not only
about remembering Allah and offering gratitude to Him, but it is also a day be
reminded of religious duty of sharing and caring for one another.
“It
is evidently clear that Islam has set a very high standard for the spirit of
brotherhood, unity, love and support for one another,” Barrow said while urging
the religious leaders to continue praying for sustainable peace in The Gambia
and for Muslims and humanity at large, who are suffering either from
maltreatment, hardship or warfare.
