By Buba Gagigo
Hon. Mama Kandeh, the Secretary-General and Leader of the Gambia Democratic Congress has issued a rallying call for all Gambians to set aside their differences and rally behind the upcoming OIC summit scheduled for May 4th.
“With the ongoing preparation for the hosting of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) in The Gambia, slated 04th and 5th May 2024. I write in my capacity as Party Leader and Secretary General of the Gambia Democratic Congress but most especially as a concerned Gambian to call on Gambians, irrespective of our differences, to join hands and offer our unflinching support to the government to make sure the OIC set to be hosted in The Gambia will be among the most successful ones,” Kandeh said.
Highlighting the global importance of the OIC as the second-largest gathering worldwide, Kandeh stressed the importance of unity in projecting a positive image of the nation.
“We will be having leaders from the 57 member states and our support will be very paramount because with the magnitude of the event the government alone cannot do it,” he said.
Kandeh urged Gambians to embrace the OIC as a unique opportunity to showcase national unity and pride.
“The time is right for us to be identified and seen as one people, one nation; that being said despite our political differences, which is healthy for any democracy. It is only right to do one thing, and that is to offer our support and ideas to see this through. The Gambia will be on the receiving end of the success or failure of the OIC and despite our divergent views on this OIC to which we are all entitled, it should be an opportunity for all of us to progressively work towards registering a successful OIC,” he said.
Acknowledging former President Yahya Jammeh’s role in securing the opportunity to host the summit, Kandeh expressed gratitude and extended best wishes to President Barrow and his administration.
“I would not do justice if I failed to acknowledge the efforts of former President Yahya Jammeh whose efforts gave us the opportunity to host the OIC in a few days to come. Jammeh bid for the OIC to be hosted in 2019 but was defeated in the 2016 Presidential election. My heartfelt congratulations to President Barrow and his government for moving on with the OIC. I would like to assure the government of our support and best wishes during these two historic days of 4th and 5th May 2024,” Hon. Mamma Kandeh concluded.