THE REVOLUTION CONTINUES

The revolution of the people continues

Which no retrogressive forces could discontinue

For it draws its strength from the people’s will

To cure the country of its many ills

It moves along steadily day by day

Smashing all barriers on its way

It bulldozes old structures into dust and clay

And paves further its broad highway

The 2nd Republic – Republic of Paradox

Autocratic, they claimed to be solid like rocks

They condemned colonialism to demonstrate bravery

As well as the shameful institution of slavery

But we’ve seen here detainees brought before Court of law

To be tried fairly according to law

They clamped metal chains around their feet

As they walked heavily under the heat

Guided, they walked slowly to the court room

Where they feared to face the inevitable Doom

The angry crowd cried: Justice! Justice! Justice!

But where judges are obstructed, there can’t be justice

The 2nd Republic promised us transparency

But instead had given us obscurity

It promised us, day one, accountability

But reserved itself exclusive right to immunity

The 2nd Republic condemned western slavery

Only to introduce Local slavery

They promised to protect Gambia’s good reputation

But plunged it into discredit and isolation

Today, we pay tribute to comrades of the Revolution

When all eyes can see the bright horizon

When after many years in darkness we groped

In search of the gateway to the growing HOPE

We pay tribute to our brothers of FOROYAA

To comrades Sidia Jatta and Halifa Sallah

To Comrades Sam Sarr and O. Sillah

And all other Comrades of this Newspaper

To our comrades Pape Saine and Dawda Jawo

To our sister A. Sillah and comrades A. Jallow

To all comrades who live among here

And those residing in the Diaspora

To Comrade Deyda Hydara, symbol of patriotism

Who was gunned down in the battlefield of journalism

To chief Manneh and all those who met similar fate

Their dedication to duty must we emulate

To Ousainou Darboe, O.J Jallow, who at an early age

Had boldly climbed up the political stage

To talk to the people about political and social rights

And the way forward to the emerging light

The Revolution of the people continues

Which no reactionary forces could discontinue

Its power is the people; author of change

So no stronger power to turn to, in exchange

The 3rd Republic is well set in motion

Driven by the inexhaustible fuel of the revolution

It resolves to work restlessly towards our Destiny

Peace, Progress and Prosperity

El Malick FAAL