President Adama Barrow has urged Gambian political leaders to unite people and avoid dividing them in his new year’s message to the nation.

“To all political leaders and supporters, I reiterate the point that, despite the divergent routes we opt to follow, we are bound by the common desire for national development, peace and prosperity. Let us unite the people, and avoid tearing the nation apart,” the president said.

“The high voter turnout in the December 4th Election is not without high expectations from the electorate. Peace, stability, reconciliation, justice, and socio-economic and political development are particularly of general concern. 

“As a result, we must work together to fulfill these expectations. I plead that we renew our commitment to working as a nation for accelerated development, using vigorous processes and procedures to ensure that there is justice for all,” he added.

“Together, we can make 2022 a fulfilling year of progress, love and reconciliation by embracing our cultural differences, celebrating our citizenship as Gambians and making the most of our resources. 

“I reassure everyone that my government will remain nationally inclusive, purely democratic and practically development-oriented, but realistic. With the resources put at our disposal, the concerns, needs, aspirations, and welfare of the people will dictate our agenda. 

“We will not fail the people, and we ask that you remain by our side, trusting that, working collectively, we will succeed way beyond expectations,” he said.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba

Editor’s note: We have a small favour to ask. We’d like to thank you for putting your trust in our journalism this year – and invite you to support our fundraising campaign. Every contribution, however big or small, powers our journalism and sustains our future. Thank you. Donate here: https://gofund.me/cf970c54