As she spoke to party militants, Fatoumatta Jahumpa Ceesay, the ambassador of The Gambia to South Africa and a distinguished guest at the APRC Congress in Banjul, broke down in tears. Speaking to party members, she said the event was evidence of their common goals, principles, and teamwork.
“This congress is not a collection of individuals; rather, it is evidence of our common beliefs, values, and vision, as well as our unwavering dedication to creating a better future for this great and honourable Party in our nation, the APRC,” she said.
In light of the difficulties encountered in the previous two years, Jahumpa commended the party for its tenacity, pointing out that their achievements demonstrate that, when banded together, they can conquer any challenge.
“We cannot afford to take it easy on the accolades we have already received. Therefore, we should make a concerted effort to unite, since it is what we as APRC are known for, and that is what we ought to do,” she said.
She underlined that a large number of party members have rejoined, while others have remained silent but are still loyal to the APRC and are confident they will do so in the future.
She emphasised that, with God’s blessing, these members will understand that the APRC is a collective inheritance rather than a private property when they rejoin under Fabakary T. Jatta’s leadership.
According to Jahumpa, the APRC has been and will remain a powerful party, providing a lasting legacy for coming generations to build upon.
In addition, she voiced her concern about the current political atmosphere, calling it disturbing and concerning, and asked everyone to unite and cooperate in order to overcome these obstacles.
We perceive a nasty political climate filled with fear and sheer terror that requires our cooperation as a people when we look around, pay close attention, and read the political climate of our beloved smiling cost. I don’t see any reason why we can’t unite and collaborate since people have too much troubled us. We were taken to court because of the APRC, and it wasn’t worth it. That shouldn’t have happened, so why are APRC supporters constantly fighting?” she asked.
She urged party members to come together and abstain from internal strife and hate speech.
“So why are we constantly fighting and detesting one another, which shouldn’t be happening, and why are we unable to get together? And I hope it will no longer be an issue when we leave the congress in Banjul today,” she remarked.
In order to leave a positive legacy for future generations, she also urged political leaders, transitional leaders, religious leaders, the administration, and stakeholders to exercise their democratic rights and to be completely honest, disciplined, and patriotic.
She called on all party members and supporters to respect the party’s fundamental values of integrity and transparency and to be on the lookout for dangers to democracy.
As we chart our course for the upcoming year, she said, “We must all remain focused on our party slogans and the country’s slogan, which stated the country first, the country’s interest above individual or group interest.” She also called on all of us to recommit to our mission, which is the goal of the green revolution, and our values as patriots for reorientation and construction.
