By Muhammed S. Bah, @Msbahdynamic edited by Yusef Taylor, @FlexDan_YT
International Republican Institute (IRI) mourns the loss of their colleague Buba Bojang, who joined IRI’s office in The Gambia as a program assistant in 2017. Buba Bojang a native of Sukuta passed away on the early hours of Tuesday 15 January 2018 after a brief illness. Buba died at the age of 26, leaving a wife with and six-month old baby.
Robina Namusisi, IRI Gambia Program Director in a somber mood highlighted that her organization has lost a dedicated staff. Speaking to Gainako she said, “No words can describe what all of us [IRI Staff] felt when we heard the news about the sudden death of our colleague”. She added that Buba was among the young men who deeply embedded the Institution’s vision and highlighted that Bojang served IRI with love, kindness, and dedication. “I said this with confidence that he served his country passionately”. the IRI Directory Remarked.
“Buba played an integral role in helping IRI to establish our first office in The Gambia, and supported the Institute’s legislative strengthening, fiscal transparency, and civil society programs,” said IRI Regional Director for Africa John Tomaszewski. “During his tenure at IRI, Buba demonstrated diligence and commitment to IRI’s global mission of advancing democracy around the world by working to strengthen his own country’s democratic development. At just 26, Buba should have had his whole life ahead of him, and his passing is a tragedy for his family, friends and the country he loved. He will be greatly missed by his colleagues at IRI.”
Youth Activists and member of different Civil Society Organisations across the length and breadth of the country including the National Youth Council came to witness the burial of Buba Bojang, who was laid to on the same day of his death at Sukuta Cemetery. A number of National Assembly staff including the National Assembly Member for Wuli West, Hon. Sidia Jatta attended the funeral to pay their last respects to the young Buba Bojang.
Gainako joins IRI and all Civil Society actors to mourn this loss. Our deepest condolences to his wife, baby, and family.