Broadcast Date: 24th December 2025 at 8:00 PM

Fellow Gambians,

Residents and Friends of The Gambia,

On this joyous occasion of Christmas, I congratulate all our Christian brothers and sisters in The Gambia and across the world. As you celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, I join you in reflecting on the key messages of love, peace, compassion, and service to humanity that marked his life.

The world has come to realise that Christmas is not merely a religious celebration. Rather, it is a season that reminds us, regardless of our faith, of the shared values of humanity and our collective responsibility to one another.

Because the values that Christmas embodies, particularly generosity, forgiveness, hope, and goodwill, are universal principles, they can contribute to strengthening the fabric of every nation. Looking back, as the end of 2025 draws closer, we have much to be grateful for. Chiefly, for instance, despite all the relentless global economic challenges, The Gambia has continued to make steady progress in key areas of national development.

Our infrastructure continues to expand, our healthcare system is expanding and growing stronger, access and quality in the education sector are improving continually, and our democratic institutions are getting stronger and more efficient by the day.

As my recent “Meet The People Tour” confirms, Gambians continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience and unity in the face of challenges. This cuts across the country, from the farmers who continue to feed the nation and the teachers shaping young minds to the healthcare workers caring for the sick and the noble security forces protecting our peace. Every Gambian has contributed to our collective progress.

I am proud to observe that The Gambia remains a beacon of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence. Here, Christians and Muslims lead mutually respectful lives, side by side in the same communities. They celebrate festivals together, support one another in times of need, and even intermarry. This is tolerance at its best, strengthened by a genuine sense of brotherhood and sisterhood.

Every Christmas season, we see Muslim neighbours helping Christian families prepare for the feast, just as we see Christians join their Muslim neighbours and friends when they celebrate their feasts. This is what makes The Gambia unique.

In this world of unrest, particularly due to religious intolerance, it is a blessing that The Gambia provides evidence to demonstrate that different religious faiths can coexist and prosper in harmony. Let us protect this precious gift and continue to teach our children that religion must not be regarded as a barrier between us. Instead, it should be harnessed as a bridge that connects us to pursue our shared aspirations for justice, compassion, and dignity.

The life of Jesus Christ was one of service, particularly to the weak and vulnerable. This Christmas, I encourage all Gambians to embrace this spirit of service: reach out to those in difficulty, share your blessings with the needy, visit the sick and elderly, comfort those in mourning, and extend a helping hand to your neighbours.

Fellow Gambians,

My government remains committed to serving all Gambian citizens, ensuring that the benefits of national development reach every corner of our country, regardless of region, ethnicity, or religion.

We will continue working tirelessly to improve living standards and create opportunities for all, especially the youth and women. Our goal is to build a Gambia where every citizen can realise their full potential.

I encourage every Gambian to end the year with renewed hope and determination to work harder. The challenges we face as a nation, be it economic development, job creation, infrastructure improvement, or otherwise, call for unity and the same spirit of sacrifice, service, and solidarity that we promote during Christmas.

We assure our Christian community that this government will continue to protect your freedom of worship and ensure that you practise your faith freely and safely. Your contributions to The Gambia's development, through education, healthcare, social services, and moral leadership, are invaluable and deeply appreciated.

I reaffirm my government's unwavering commitment to building a prosperous, peaceful, and united Gambia where every citizen, regardless of faith or background, can thrive and contribute to our national development and stability.

Let this Christmas be a period of reconciliation and renewal and a moment to permanently set aside our differences and focus on the essentials that bind us as Gambians. We must remember that we are a people of common descent and a nation bound together by our common history, aspirations, and destiny.

I thank and congratulate our venerable religious leaders and their Christian congregations. I join all of you in praying that the peace and blessings of this holy season prevail in our communities and the world at large. I pray also that the values and spirit of caring and sharing inspire us to coexist as better citizens, better neighbours, and better human beings. In conclusion, may God’s love bring healing where there is pain, hope where there is despair, and prosperity to our nation.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous Year ahead.