By Oumie Bojang
As Gambians head to the polls this weekend, the Islamic and Christian councils have urged Gambians to uphold the peace and tranquility the country is known for.
This message was delivered by the leaders of the Gambia Supreme Islamic Council and the Gambia Christian Council who met at the Supreme Islamic Council headquarters in Kanifing on Thursday.
Rev James S Cole, a representative of the inter-church, inter-faith sub-committee of The Gambia Christian Council said as humans we are wired with emotions and as such we affiliate with a particular political party regardless of tribe or religion.
“Candidates are campaigning selling their propaganda and in doing so make mistakes by saying some things they are not supposed to say, but we as Gambians should know that elections will come and go but The Gambia remains,” he preached.
Cherno Alieu Mass Kah, imam ratib of Banjul, said the aim of the gathering was to preach the gospel of interfaith tolerance and peace.
“Peace is what runs the world and the hereafter. It enables a religion to function and no government can function in the absence of peace,” he said.
Imam Kah advised Gambian electorate to approach the election with peace and maturity, saying: “Those voting, let them vote wisely and peacefully and go back to their houses and let parents keep their children at home to maintain peace.” He urged Gambians to accept the verdict of the majority and rally behind the declared victor for the advancement of the country.
Essa Darboe, the president of the Supreme Islamic Council said The Gambia is blessed with enviable peace and it is the duty of all citizens to maintain it.
He encouraged imams to choose the theme of peace for their Friday sermons.
Rev Rodney Louis Prom, general secretary of the Gambia Christian Council cited the bond between the two councils, noting: “This is the time to manifest the peace, love and unity we talk about as religious people. As electorate, we all belong to a political party, have our personal interests and agenda but we have the same needs which are peace, security, food and shelter which we cannot get without peace and tranquility in the country.”
