President Adama Barrow has on Wednesday extended the national mourning for The Gambia first president, Sir Dawda Jawara, to a week.

Government spokesman, Ebrima Sankareh told the media that: ” the president, Adama Barrow, has extended the national mourning to one week instead of three days and all flags will remain at half-mast.”

He however added: “there is no public holiday.”

Mr. Sankareh said that the body of the former president will lie in state at the National Assembly in Banjul on Thursday.

Funeral prayers will be at the King Fahd Mosque in Banjul before the former president is laid to rest at the National Assembly complex.

Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara passed away aged 95 on Tuesday at his residence in Fajara.

His death has been described as “a great loss to the nation”.

Political leaders in The Gambia and abroad have been reacting to the news of his death.

President Adama Barrow announced the death on Tuesday.

“It is with regret to hear news of the demise of former President, Sir Dawda K. Jawara, who died at the age of 95 as an elderly Statesman.

“His passing is indeed a great loss to the country in particular and humanity in general,” the president said.

Ousainou ANM Darboe, leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP) said:

“Great loss to the world
Great loss to the continent 
Great loss to The Gambia and the greatest loss to myself. Thank you for all the lessons. Till we meet again.”

Mama Kandeh, leader of The Gambia Democratic Congress, said:

“I am saddened by demise of our late President Sir Dawda Jawara. My condolences, prayers & thoughts are with the family during this difficult time. Sir Dawda was a champion for humanity, who inspired me. Sad day & sad loss for Gambia. May Allah grant him Jannah, Rest in peace Sir.”

Ms Seraphine Wakana, UN Resident Coordinator, said:

“On behalf of the UN family in The Gambia extends heartfelt condolences to H.E President Adama Barrow, and to all Gambians on the passing of former President Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara. RIP.”

Sharon Waddle, UK High Commissioner to the Gambia said:

“Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Dawda K Jawara GCMG, first President of The Gambia. Thoughts and condolences with his family and the Gambian people. May his soul rest in peace.”

Ambassador Richard Carl Paschall, U.S ambassador to The Gambia, said:

“On behalf of the American people and the United States Government, I offer our deepest condolences on the passing of the former Prime Minister and First President of the Republic of The Gambia, Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara.

“President Jawara steered The Gambia through the peaceful transition from Colonial rule to full independence and sovereignty in the community of nations. We honour the legacy and mourn his loss alongside his family and our friends, the people of The Gambia both here and abroad. May his soul rest in peace.”

Reporting by Adama Makasuba