Halifa Sallah, a senior official of the opposition PDOIS, has addressed rumours suggesting he may return to the country’s political stage, speculation that has left many Gambians uncertain.

Sallah, one of the most respected politicians in The Gambia, had earlier announced his decision to step back from politics following the last presidential election.

However, in an interview with Star Radio, the veteran statesman dismissed the rumours as “irrelevant”, adding that while people remain concerned about his withdrawal from politics, he has no obsession with holding a government position.

He emphasised that every Gambian has the constitutional right to vote and be voted for.

“I don’t want a government job. It’s simply a responsibility I took on for the betterment of the country, not because I need a government position. We have been trained to love our country and our continent, and to contribute to their development,” he said.

Sallah added: “what Gambians have tasked me with, I can do very well, and I am always ready to serve them. But this question (about a comeback) is not important, because Gambia doesn’t require anyone to plead for permission to serve.

“When I contested the presidential election, I received 32,000 votes, that alone shows how people see me. I know what I did in 2016; I faced death head-on and came back to tell the people I wanted to serve. They gave me 32,000 votes. That speaks for itself.”

He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting any initiative led by sincere Gambians determined to uplift the nation.

“I am ready to support those who genuinely want to salvage The Gambia and help it reach its development goals, but not those who are just scrambling for positions. I promise that I am willing to share my ideas with anyone committed to the country’s progress,” he added.

By Adama Makasuba