Hundreds of people in The Gambia Thursday converged at the Jerma Beach Hotel in Kololi to mark the 41st anniversary of the 1st September 1969 Al-Fateh Revolution of Libya.
Organised by the Bureau of the Great Socialist's People Libyan Arab Jamahiriya (embassy) in Banjul, the historic celebration attracted people from various socio-political sectors of the country and beyond who sang and glorified the Revolution and Libyan leader, praising him for his achievements and accomplishments under the Al-Fateh revolution.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr. Ali Muhammad Dukaly, the General Secretary of the People's Bureau (ambassador) of Libya in The Gambia, highlighted the achievements registered by the famous Libyan revolution.
According to Prof. Dukaly, the revolution had brought successive victories for Libya and her people. "The revolution was victorious! In a span of one year the revolution was able to eliminate the reactionary regime and the foreign-occupying military bases in Libya," he explained. "The revolution moved to achieve international dimension within its Arab orbit, then the African and international orbits respectively."
He said Libyan citizens, by virtue of the revolution, have realised their freedom and have become victorious within the Jamahiriya theory of the authority of the people, who have been empowered to decide the affairs of their popular congresses while the People's Committees established by the Revolution implement the decision of the people (the Jamahiriya).
"The Jamahiriya is not a sultanate, a monarchy or a republic; it is the rule of the Jamahiriya- the people," Dr. Dukaly said, adding: "The world is still plagued by the problems of governance but we in the great beloved Jamahiriya have surpassed that problematic level."
He also spoke on the bilateral relations between Libya and The Gambia and saluted President Jammeh for the successes of the July 22nd Revolution and for his critical role in the realisation of the African Union.
"Dr. Yahya Jammeh and brother colonel Maummar Ghadafi have both epitomised the principle of African independence freedom, glory and dignity," he said.
For his part, Dr. Momodou Tangara, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, congratulated the people of Libya on the occasion of the Al-Fateh Revolution.
"This amiable occasion is a reflection once more of the personal and close friendship between our two great leaders, as well as the bonds of solidarity, amity and fruitful cooperation that exit between the governments and people of the Republic of The Gambia and the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya," the foreign minister noted.
He added that the relations between the two peoples have been enhanced with time to the point that Gambians and Libyans now consider themselves brothers and sisters.
"We can all bear witness that the Al-fateh revolution has provided the people of the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya the opportunity to benefit from the development achievements initiated by the government of the great leader of the revolution," Dr Tangara said.
He also acknowledged Libya's relentlessness efforts in pursuit of Africa's development, saying: "The great leader's recent peace efforts in some parts of Africa are clear manifestations of his belief in the maintenance of regional peace and stability through dialogue such as manifested during the recently concluded AU summit in Kampala, Uganda.
The relationship between the Republic of The Gambia and Libya has been mutually beneficial since the resumption of both countries' diplomatic ties, he said. "Over the years, we in The Gambia have seen Libya's intervention in the crucial sectors of our economy, particularly in religion, education, culture and agriculture to name a few."
Dr. Tangara also brought to light the daunting challenges Libya faced in its development drive. "Notwithstanding, with the resilience, courage sacrifice and unwavering determination of the people of Libya under the enlightened leadership of Muammar Ghadafi, your country was able to prevail against all odds, especially in these trying times of economic crisis, with sense of patriotism by the will of the Almighty Allah," he said.
"What solidifies the relationship between the two countries is our common desire to build a brighter future for our two peoples and for Africa in general.
"We truly believe in the principles of self determination, self reliance, solidarity, equality, justice, partnership and the maintenance of the international peace and security for the common good of all making.
"We also have a common belief that as a developing country, in addressing our economic and social problems, we must develop agricultural sector by seeking to promote small holder farmer-led food production and availability in a sustained manner."
Dr. Tangara said that in the spirit of south-south cooperation, the Government of The Gambia looks forward to strengthening its cooperation with the Government of Libya in the field of agriculture to achieve and sustain food self-sufficiency as well as food and nutrition security.
The celebration was graced by senior government officials, diplomats and Libyans living in The Gambia. A cross-section of Gambians including graduates of Jamahiriya attended the occasion.
The occasion, which also coincided with the 10th anniversary of the African Union, was moderated by the Director of Education and Information Affairs at the Libyan Embassy, Zeyad Abulgasim Muhamed.
