Residents of Brikama and environs pray for peace

Some residents of Brikama and the satellite villages last Saturday December 31, 2016 observed prayer sessions, as many expressed concern and fear over the present state of affairs in the country, citing the political impasse that the country is currently experiencing.

On New Year eve, this reporter visited some Churches in Brikama and the surrounding villages. The Winner’s Chapel located at Brikama Nyambai near Jokor Night Club commenced its prayer session from 9:00pm till 4:00am on New Year’s Day.

Other churches, the Methodist Church near Jamisa Primary School and the Parish of the Resurrection Catholic Mission near the Brikama Police Station, also had prayer sessions for peace, progress and prosperity in the country.

At the Christ Apostolic Faith Church, situated at the Brikama Methodist Academy premises, prayers were offered for peace.

At a mosque in Brikama Gidda near Brikama Alpha-Khan Upper Basic School, Imam Jabbie led the Fajr prayers for peace and tranquility in the country.

Meanwhile, some shop owners have reportedly closed down their businesses and relocated to the provinces, southern region of Senegal (Casamance) and Guinea-Bissau.

A Nigerian businessman and his wife, who runs a provisions shop around the Brikama Area Council, reportedly locked their shop and left for fear of conflict arising from the political impasse.

A compound occupied by some Fula traders in Brikama Wellingara remained empty, and this reporter was informed that the occupants had left for the neighbouring southern Senegal.

Some residents of Brikama Sanchaba Ward have also evacuated their families to Brikama-Ba, Gibisara, Numuyel and Guinea-Bissau.

Manduar village in the Brikama North District is not left out of the exodus, as some traders who own shops in Brikama have also moved out of fear of what the current political impasse might cause.

At the Brikama car park, yesterday morning, some gele-gele vans were seen carrying household materials, cooking utensils, and furniture tied on top of passenger vehicles en-route for the provinces.

When this reporter contacted one Fakebba Manneh, a passenger, who claimed to be one of the owners of some of the items, he described the current situation as “serious”, noting that President Jammeh is talking about going to the Supreme Court and the President-elect Adama Barrow is talking about January 19.

“The Gambia is peaceful, and I am praying that The Gambia should not experience what some countries in the sub-region have experienced.

“President Jammeh and the President-elect Adama Barrow are both Gambians and human beings, and I believe they love this country as much as all Gambians do,” he added.

He advised that our religious leaders should make more efforts to ensure that total reconciliation is achieved within the shortest possible time.

He further advised that the country (all and sundry) Muslims and Christians alike go into a weeklong fasting and prayers, adding that the country is going through a critical moment.

In Bafuloto village, this reporter was shown eight empty compounds previously occupied by some people, who were either running businesses or working at the quarry; most of whom are Fulas, Sarahulles and Fana-Fanas. It was said that they have relocated to the provinces, Guinea-Conakry and Guinea-Bissau.