Hon. Suwaibou Touray, Secretary General Of PDOIS
By Makutu Manneh
The People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS) has elected a new executive leadership to steer the affairs of the party for the next four years, with Hon. Suwaibou Touray emerging as the new Secretary General. Hon. Touray currently serves as the National Assembly Member for Wuli East.
The leadership transition took place on Saturday, January 24, 2026, during the party’s congress held at a local hotel in the Senegambia area.
In his acceptance remarks, Hon. Touray said the country is facing severe challenges, with citizens experiencing widespread hardship. He highlighted pervasive poverty, the struggles of farmers—who constitute about 75 percent of the population—rising irregular migration among youths, and persistent maternal mortality.
“The recurrent budget is consumed by bureaucracy with nothing left for development, and now we go for loans and mortgaging,” he stated.
According to him, mortgaging the country’s assets undermines the foundation of future generations. He called for unity and mutual understanding within the party and across the country, stressing that collective effort is required to rescue the nation. He added that the party’s national agenda requires full commitment and recognition to achieve victory.
The outgoing Secretary General, Halifa Sallah, described the election as “the beginning of another beginning” for both the party and the country.
“We are not leaving; we are shifting gears to prepare ourselves to serve our country better. The country needs all of us. The country is suffering, and her true sons and daughters must take a stand to save her,” he said.
Mr. Sallah told the newly elected executive that history would judge their commitment, emphasizing that their words and actions would represent the party as a whole.
“The integrity of the party rests in your hands. You who are elected are the images of the party; if you fall, the party will fall; if you rise, the party will rise,” he added.
He said the new executive must be ready to take the forefront of the citizens without fear, favor, affection, or ill will and that they will stand for the truth because it is what it is, “You will make sure that the truth saves the Gambia.”
He urged the new leadership to stand at the forefront of the people without fear or favor and to remain committed to truth and justice, regardless of the consequences.
Also speaking at the congress, senior party member Sidia Jatta congratulated the new executive, noting that change comes with responsibility.
“All of you who have been elected, you are committed to contributing your quote to the transformation of this country for the good of everybody, and I am sure that all of you are prepared for the tasks ahead,” he said.
Mr. Jatta assured the new leadership of continued support from senior members of the party, stressing that teamwork would ease the burden ahead.
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