President Adama Barrow has pledged to form a national unity cabinet to bridge the political divide and govern in the interest of all Gambians. 

Barrow made the pledge at his second swearing-in ceremony at the Independence Stadium in Bakau on Thursday attended by eight African presidents and thousands of Gambians.

“I will lead as president of all Gambians and form a cabinet that will work to heal the nation, create avenues for reconciliation, tap the talent and capacity of all Gambian nationals, and accommodate diversity for sustained peace and stability,” President Barrow said.

The president continued: “As we embark on the mission of achieving a more progressive Gambia in the next five years, I pledge to put more emphasis on uplifting the status of all Gambians, especially the under-privileged and vulnerable Gambians in underserved communities. 

“Under my administration, we shall ensure that development is duly distributed within all the regions of the country.”

Barrow conveyed his “gratitude to the entire NPP membership and to the coalition party leaders and members for our hard-fought victory.

“With profound humility too, I extend very special appreciation to the people, particularly the women and youths. Without their participation, our victory would have been very difficult to achieve.”

Reportingby Adama Makasuba