By Amadou Jadama
Prominent Muslim leader and imam of Foni Besse Central Mosque, Momodou Lamin Jabbie, known as Duwa Jabbie Morro, has urged Gambians to work hard to avoid inciting or taking part in anything that could lead to violence in this election period.
Imam Jabbie, who is the Caliph of Besse Mori Kunda, was speaking to The Standard at his house. Jabbie, famous and respected for his counselling and wisdom, said he is very comfortable to foretell that the election will be held in peace but he is not able to predict who will be elected on 5 December.
“However, all prayers must be consolidated with good behaviour from all Gambians because we cannot afford violence in this small community called Gambia. Only Gambians can keep peace and not foreign peacekeeping forces,” he warned.
“We the marabout houses have only one role and that is to offer prayers to the people and the country. We are not politicians, and we offer prayers to all Gambians regardless of one’s affiliation.”
The imam said the only natural resource of The Gambia is the peace reigning in the country.
“Nothing is more important than the harmony and cohesive co-habitation of all tribes and religions in this country and we must never allow politics to destroy that,” he said.
Imam Jabbie is the son of the late Islamic scholar and imam, the venerable Alhaji Kanjura Jabbie, a founding figure of the Supreme Islamic Council whose memory is celebrated annually in the village through a Ziyareh, a religious congregation.
This year, the event takes place on 20 November at Besse Mori–Kunda. He said because it is an election year, the event will be the biggest prayer vigil for peace ever staged in The Gambia.
“We are calling on all Gambians to come to the Ziyareh to join us and pray for the country. This is a national duty and I urge all Gambians to answer to the call,” Jabbie said.
