Gambian Muslims rejoiced as thousands  gathered to obseve Friday congregational prayers after months in lockdown.

The Gambia government on Thursday loosened up coronavirus restrictions which had forced the closure of places worship as measures to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Worshippers are however advised to exercise social distancing while at the end places of worship.

But as worshippers were eager to attend prayers social distancing rules were reportedly not observed at many Mosques during Friday’s congregational prayers.

Imam of Latrikunda Sabiji Central Mosque, Alhaji Sheikh Joof, said:”this is is a good gesture.”

He advised people to return back to God adding “as Muslim our only weapon is prayers, so let us turn to face Allah and ask for His mercy before it is too late.”

The Gambia, a country, home to nearly 2 million people, is said to have a Muslims population of 95 per cent.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba