Halifa Sallah, Sedia Jatta hailed as pillars of Gambian democracy

In a statement issued by its Media and Communication Unit, the Movement hailed the two leaders as enduring symbols of principled politics, intellectual discipline and democratic integrity, whose influence has shaped generations of Gambians over nearly four decades.

According to UNITE, Hon. Halifa Sallah and Hon. Sedia Jatta stood as “twin pillars of Gambian enlightenment,” offering ideological clarity and moral leadership at a time when such values were often in short supply. Their long stewardship of PDOIS, the Movement said, helped entrench a tradition of accountability, transparency and service to the people.

Hon. Sallah, who served as Secretary General of PDOIS, was praised as a “peerless moral compass” whose political life has been defined by a deep commitment to social justice and popular sovereignty. The statement recalled his central role in the 2016 opposition coalition, noting that his participation underscored the idea that politics, at its core, is about service rather than personal ambition. UNITE described him as a fearless advocate for the dignity and rights of every Gambian.

Equally celebrated was Hon. Sedia Jatta, the long-serving Chairperson of PDOIS, whose contribution was described as monumental. A renowned linguist and grassroots mobiliser, Hon. Jatta was commended for championing the use of national languages and redefining parliamentary representation by consistently placing the welfare of his constituents above personal gain.

The Movement noted that together, the two leaders exemplified what it called a “politics of the mind,” rejecting corruption and political expediency in favour of building transparent institutions and nurturing an informed citizenry.

UNITE said perhaps their most enduring lesson lies in the manner of their exit from leadership. By peacefully handing over through a clear and transparent democratic process, Hon. Sallah and Hon. Jatta demonstrated rare statesmanship, proving that strong institutions, not perpetual incumbency, are the foundation of a resilient democracy.

“Their transition teaches us that true leadership is measured by the systems one builds, not the titles one holds,” the statement said.

The UNITE Movement for Change concluded by saluting the two leaders as educators, liberators and democrats, expressing confidence that their voices and ideals will continue to guide The Gambia toward a more just, equitable and enlightened future.