The event was attended by the Imam Ratib of Banjul, Cherno Mass Kah, the President of the Supreme Islamic Council, Essa Darboe, and other venerable leaders.
Reflecting on the nature of leadership and destiny, President Barrow cited the long tenure of Sir Dawda Jawara, who led for 30 years, and Yahya Jammeh, who ruled for 22 years. He contrasted this with his own presidency, which he said was initially envisioned to last just three years but has now extended to a decade, with ambitions for another term.
President Barrow underscored his belief that leadership is divinely ordained, stating that it is God who chooses leaders and does so one at a time.
He therefore urged Gambians to elect leaders who place national interest above personal gain.
His remarks come amid ongoing political discourse around leadership, governance, and the future direction of the country.
President Barrow revealed that his technocrats have informed him of concerns from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), urging his administration to slow down its pace of capital expenditure on development projects.
At this juncture, President Barrow renewed his unwavering commitment to national development, noting that he is prepared to make bold financial decisions (break the bank) if necessary to develop the Gambia for the best interest of the Gambian people.
He explained that investing in The Gambia’s progress remains a top priority of his government.
He mentioned that the country is worth every effort and resource directed toward its progress.
President Barrow renewed his promised of universal access to electricity, water and education under his tenure for the well-being of the Gambian.
Sheikh Alhaji Essa F. Darboe, the President of the Gambia Supreme Islamic Council, urged Gambians to sustain the discipline and moral values demonstrated during Ramadan, particularly the restraint from hate speech and derogatory remarks against one another.
Sheikh Darboe, speaking during the president Barrow annual meeting with Banjul Muslim Elders, emphasised the importance of unity, mutual support, and peaceful coexistence among Muslims, noting the country’s prevailing atmosphere of peace.
He further cautioned against exposing or ridiculing one another, describing such actions as contrary to the teachings of Islam.
The Amir of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at in The Gambia, Baba F. Trawally, has called on Gambians to uphold unity, peace during and after the Ramadan.
He further underscored the importance of peace, describing it as not only the absence of conflict but the presence of justice, dialogue, and mutual respect.
He called on citizens to resolve disagreements through dialogue and to act as ambassadors of peace in their communities and online spaces.
