Speaking at a press briefing held on Monday, Sheriff Marie Tambadou, President of the ‘Sumpoo Do Khati’ Youth Committee, announced that this year’s national celebrations will be held in Basse, Upper River Region, where the majority of Soninke people in The Gambia reside.
“As in the past two editions, a delegation from The Gambia will also travel to Paris to join Soninke communities worldwide in commemorating this historic day,” Tambadou said.
He noted that this year’s Paris event carries special significance for Gambian Soninkes as it will be held under the patronage of Abubakary Jawara, a prominent Soninke businessman and philanthropist, who will serve as patron and Guest of Honour.
Tambadou said activities planned in Basse include exhibitions, cultural expositions, meetings, talks, and a symposium. “Many Soninkes and members of the public will converge on Basse to showcase our food, traditions and culture,” he added.
He stressed the importance of the day in the context of global linguistic diversity. “There are approximately 7,159 living languages in the world. UNESCO recognizes 10 official languages. Soninke is the second African language to have an internationally recognised day, after Kiswahili,” he said.
Other UNESCO language days include World Arabic Language Day, World Portuguese Language Day, and World Greek Language Day.
“We invite all Soninkes and the people of The Gambia and the world to join us in celebrating this day,” Tambadou urged.
“It is not only about our language and culture, but about demonstrating the importance of language in the development of people and communities,” he said.
Mohamadou Ceesay, Chairman of Basse Area Council and member of the Local Organising Committee, acknowledged that language is identity.
“It is something that truly identifies a person,” he said, calling on all to attend the celebrations in Basse.
He spoke about their level of preparations ahead of the event and encouraged all to join them in Basse on September 25, 2026.
Billy G. Tunkara, National Assembly Member for Kantora and Majority Leader, said language is a foundation of civilization.
“It promotes social cohesion, unity and tolerance,” he stated, calling on parents to teach children their language, culture and traditions, warning that some languages are fast-fading away.
“Therefore, it is important to teach the younger generation these values to help preserve our language for eternity,” Mr Tunkara added.
