President Adama Barrow has called on Gambians to reject tribalism and divisive rhetoric, urging citizens to place national unity, peace and development above ethnic and political considerations.
President Barrow made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing a community meeting in Sanyang Village following the official inauguration of the Sanyang Beachside Road.
The President warned that ethno-linguistic tensions and tribal sentiments could undermine the peace and stability that The Gambia has enjoyed for decades. He urged citizens to resist narratives that seek to divide communities along ethnic lines.
“There is no community in The Gambia that is occupied by one particular tribe,” President Barrow said, stressing the interconnected nature of Gambian society.
He argued that the country’s social fabric is built on communities where people from different ethnic backgrounds live, work and interact together, making national cohesion essential to maintaining peace and stability.
The President encouraged Gambians to move beyond tribal considerations and focus instead on issues that contribute to national progress, including infrastructure development, economic growth and improved living conditions.
He also urged communities to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence, emphasising that development can only be sustained in an environment of stability and social harmony.
President Barrow’s comments come as his administration continues to highlight infrastructure development as a key component of its national development agenda. The inauguration of the Sanyang Beachside Road formed part of the government’s ongoing efforts to improve road connectivity and support economic activity in communities across the country.
The President’s appeal for national unity also comes at a time when political and public discourse in The Gambia is becoming increasingly intense ahead of the 2026 presidential election.
Barrow maintained that Gambians should not allow political or ethnic differences to weaken the bonds that unite the country, calling instead for a collective commitment to peace, stability and national development.
He urged citizens to judge national issues based on their impact on the country as a whole rather than through the lens of tribal affiliation.
For President Barrow, the message was clear: The Gambia’s future depends on citizens putting the interests of the nation above divisions and working together to preserve peace while advancing development.
