Interviewed by AG Radio presenter Mr. Salieu Njie, Mr. Sulayman Ben Suwareh expressed his discontent regarding the Diamond Jubilee celebration that took place recently on February 18, 2025 which became a national shame, as President Adama Barrow failed to acknowledge the names of our founding fathers. The revered Alhaj. MC Cham remains the sole survivor today, making it fitting for President Barrow to extend an apology to him. It would have been appropriate for Honourable Alhaj. MC Cham to take on the role of the central figure in this Diamond Jubilee.
Before the Jubilee celebrations on February 18th, all political leaders nationwide received invitations for what the government referred to as a national dialogue. However, according to Mr. Ben Suwareh, not a single opposition leader attended the event.
Mr. Ben Suwareh stated that the entire Diamond Jubilee seemed to undermine the legacy of Honourable Alhaj. MC. Cham, alongside our founding fathers who have all now departed from this life. Honourable Kalilou Singhateh has recently passed away. The founding fathers who fought for the independence of The Gambia exemplify the essence of human decency and stand as a paragon of humility.
President Adama Barrow and his administration did not fulfil their commitments to Alhaj, MC Cham, Honourable Kalilou Singhateh, and the other founding fathers. Furthermore, invitations were extended to other presidents and dignitaries from various countries. You pursue global recognition, yet overlook the honourable individuals whose sacrifices, struggles, and dedication have granted us the independence we now celebrate.
Mr. Ben Suwareh expressed his disappointment upon learning that some invitees at the Diamond Jubilee were unable to attend because there were not enough seats available. They failed to execute a thorough and thoughtful plan to accommodate all invitees.
According to Mr. Ben Suwareh, President Adama Barrow sat next to President Umaro Sissocco Embalo of Guinea Bissau, who was sitting beside President Diomaye Faye. The way they were seated indicates that President Adama Barrow was not at ease sitting next to Senegalese President Diomaye Faye. It would have been appropriate for President Barrow to sit between President Embalo and President Faye.
A majority of the presidents invited to the Diamond Jubilee celebrations were absent. President Embalo departed prior to the conclusion of the event. President Diomaye Faye did not spend the night in Banjul. Mr. Ben Suwareh remarked that birds of the same feathers flock together, which explains why President Barrow feels more at ease with a corrupt leader like Embalo than with Diomaye Faye.
