President Adama Barrow has called on the country’s imams to preach unity among Gambians ahead of the  December presidential election.

The president made the statement during an audience with over 360 imams from the Greater Banjul Area on Wednesday. 

“As influential figures in society, I called on them to utilise their status to preach peace and unity amongst the people,” the president in a message posted on his Facebook page.

“Imams continue to be respected opinion leaders in our society, and as such, people listen to their words of wisdom.

“They have a crucial role in uniting the people and advocating for the remedying of issues affecting society. 

“As the COVID pandemic is still with us and surging, the Imams, too, should add their voice to the campaign against the pandemic.”

“Having listened to their concerns, I assured them that my government’s policies are geared towards impacting the lives and livelihoods of the citizens, thus as imams, they are equally affected. We will review their concerns and develop the appropriate policies to address them accordingly,” he added.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba