Yet values do not sustain themselves. They must be renewed, protected, and practiced - especially at times of political contestation, economic pressure, and rapid social change.
Peace Is Not Passive - It Is a Daily Choice
Mr President, peace in The Gambia has never been accidental. It is the product of deliberate restraint, mutual respect, and the wisdom of elders who taught that dialogue is stronger than division. In 2026, peace must be actively cultivated—at home, in schools, in mosques and churches, in markets, online spaces, and political platforms. Words matter. Tone matters. Leadership matters.
A peaceful nation is not one without disagreements, but one that resolves them without violence, intimidation, or hatred.
Unity in Diversity Is Our Strength
Mr President, the Gambian identity transcends tribe, party, religion, and region. From Banjul to Basse, from Kartong to Koina, our diversity has always been our strength—not our weakness. When unity weakens, insecurity finds space to grow.
We must resist narratives that pit Gambian against Gambian. National development cannot be achieved by exclusion or suspicion. It is built when all citizens feel seen, heard, and protected by the state and by each other.
Tolerance Is the Foundation of Freedom
Mr President, The Gambia’s long tradition of religious coexistence remains one of its proudest achievements. In 2026, tolerance must extend beyond faith to politics, opinions, gender, age, and social status. Democracy thrives not when everyone agrees, but when disagreement is handled with respect.
Intolerance—whether ethnic, political, or ideological—erodes trust and undermines nationhood.
Civility Is the New Patriotism
Mr President, civility is not weakness; it is strength with discipline. Our public discourse has become sharper, louder, and at times more hostile. This trend must be reversed.
True patriotism today is expressed through respectful debate, responsible journalism, ethical leadership, and social media use that informs rather than inflames. Insults do not build roads. Abuse does not educate children. Hate does not create jobs.
Security Is Everyone’s Responsibility
Mr President, security is not only the duty of uniformed services; it is a shared national obligation. When citizens cooperate with institutions, respect the rule of law, and reject criminality, security becomes sustainable.
A secure Gambia is one where young people see opportunity instead of desperation, where justice is trusted, and where institutions are professional, fair, and accountable.
A Call to Leadership and Citizenship
Mr President, in 2026, Gambians must demand more - from leaders and from ourselves. Leadership must be ethical, inclusive, and example-setting. Citizenship must be active, responsible, and values-driven.
Our future will not be determined solely by budgets, elections, or infrastructure projects, but by whether we remain true to the values that made The Gambia a beacon of calm in a turbulent region.
Let us recommit - quietly but firmly - to being a nation that argues without hatred, competes without violence, governs with humility, and lives with dignity. That is the Gambia we owe our children.
As we enter this year of election, we should continue to nurture peace throughout, and avoid hate speech. Our government should continue to create jobs for the youth to avoid deadly migration. We have lost so many souls in the sea of migration. We also deserve a new constitution that meets the demands of the time!
Happy New Year!
Good day!