By Lamin Kujabi
The President His Excellency Adama Barrow has called on all to make efforts for the success of the 15th OIC summit, set to hold in May in Banjul.
He made this call last week while delivering his 2024 Eid-ul-Fitr message to the nation.
“I believe everyone here now knows that The Gambia will host the 15th edition of the Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation Summit next month, May 2024. Following several postponements of hosting the event, we are grateful that it is now on the horizon. By God’s grace, we shall welcome the Muslim Ummah to the Smiling Coast of Africa,” he declared.
He therefore urged all to “prepare to put up your best show for the occasion,” pointing out that it is an opportunity to show the world who we really are and what we can offer to humanity. “Singly and collectively in our places of worship, both during and after the Eid, let us pray for a successful and peaceful Summit”.
Further on the feast of Fitr, the President described it as an occasion that brings joy and renewed faith, one in which to express gratitude for completing the spiritual duty of fasting during the Holy month of Ramadan.
He reminded the nation of the many ongoing conflicts and wars in various parts of the world, leading to widespread loss of life and huge destruction of infrastructure and property. He made reference to the Israeli war on Palestine as one critical example of such grave crimes. “It is sad that while we were fasting during the Holy month, Palestinian Muslims could not do so in peace. Sadly, in addition to all the sufferings associated with war, displacement, and hunger, they will not enjoy the blessings Eid brings”.
President Barrow also drew attention to adverse economic realities in the ECOWAS sub-region, which he said result from the global crises and the internal political tensions in our nations. “Undue hostilities and social divisions characterise the sub-region because of the urge for personal gain. People fight for political advantage, not to build better communities and nations but for personal interests. The outcome is the existing state of instability and insecurity that threatens us all,” he argued.
However, he said despite the threats, it is comforting that democracy continues to thrive; that The Gambia and the sister Republic of Senegal have remarkably preserved their political image as a democratic model on the African continent.
“It is manifestly clear that despite the different political approaches and beliefs people may hold, with strong institutions and respect for all the basic principles of democracy, constitutionality, peace, and stability would reign in every nation”.
