By Lamin Camara
As the Gambian people continue to see signs of uncertainty in the nation’s economy and political stability the prominent Chief of Kombo Central in an unusual Eid message to the people of Brikama and Kombo Central, warned the people in the District to promote peace, unity, and oneness at all times an desist from manners that can jeopardize the already existing peace in the district and the Gambia at large.
Chief Alhagie Dembo Kelleng Bojang told Muslims at the main Brikama Praying Ground that there is nothing worthy than peace and stability saying that as far as he is concern, his main target is the promotion of peace and stability in the district warning on those involved in violent manners to immediately desist from it. ‘We should always see each other as one unifying family and work together towards the development of the District,’ the Chief said. He told thousands of Muslims who gathered at the congregation that the administration of President Jammeh attaches great emphasis in the promotion of peace and stability noting that he would not compromise with anyone bend on destroying that peace and stability.He was quick to opine that The Gambia is blessed with good leadership that cares for peace as well as the socioeconomic and well-being of all citizens irrespective of their political affiliations, tribe, or race.
The Kombo Central district administrator went on to implore on his people to adopt good manners at any given time opining that Kombo Central has been known for the promotion of peace, stability and unity in all corners of the country. He urged parents to monitor the activities of their children and make sure that they are involved in good practices. He also called on the youths to engage in meaningful activities as well as to respect their elders and parents which he said would only promote development and peace. As the intermediary between central government and the people, chief Bojang called on his people to be regular in paying their taxes to avoid any inconvenience in order for more development to take place in the area.
While some resident loyalists who spoke to this reporter lauded the chief for his words in the promotion of peace and stability in the region, many were wondering what prompted the Chief to take this opportunity to emphasized the promotion of peace and warning the youths to desist from unrest. An elderly man privately made reference to a mandinka proverb which translates as ‘what an elderly man sees laying down a standing youth may not see’… insinuating that recent developments and uncertainties in the country are bleak and worrisome.
Kombo North and Central two of the most populated constituents in the country are said to be critical for the administration to embrace and nurture given the development and number of youths showing signs of interest in the political situation in the Gambia. Many opined that President Jammeh’s efforts to infiltrate and divide the communities of Gunjur and its surroundings could be a sign of possible resistance to his heavy handed leadership. Thus they cited recent events in Gunjur where the administration has been meddling in various activities ranging from religious activities, community links and allocation of land resources.
One by stander told this reporter that there must be a good reason why President Jammeh is showing high interest in Gunjur and other villages to the extend of driving some of its prominent citizens out of the country. He brought up the issue of Imam Ba Kawsu Fofana who was arrested, allegedly tortured and finally fled the country to neighboring Senegal. It is therefore interesting that the Chief would take the opportunity at an Eid (religious) gathering to warn the people. This should have been a sermon expected from the Imam rather than the chief fueling more speculation on what they might know that the rest of the population do not.