Deliver in Banjul on 6th June 2025

Fellow Gambians, Residents of The Gambia, The Muslim Umma and Friends around the world,

As we celebrate the blessed feast of Eid al-Adha, I fervently send heartfelt greetings to all Muslims in The Gambia and across the global Islamic community. This sacred feast, known in the Senegambia region as Tobaski, commemorates the profound devotion and exemplary faith demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the values of sacrifice, obedience, and compassion that are central to our faith. The spirit of Eid al-Adha requires us to embrace such values and demonstrate gratitude to Allah for His boundless mercies and blessings.

I offer special prayers and warm wishes to all pilgrims in Saudi Arabia and congratulate them on their fulfilment of the Islamic pillar of performing the pilgrimage to Mecca. May Allah accept their deeds, reward them generously, and grant them safe return to their families and loved ones.

As the current Chairman of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, I confess that I am deeply troubled by the conflicts in several Member States. Islam is fundamentally a religion of peace, so it is with deep concern that we helplessly watch the unjust suffering of our Muslim brothers and sisters in various regions of the globe.

To mention a few trouble spots, I solemnly appeal to the warring parties in Sudan to silence their weapons and engage in genuine dialogue as the way forward. The ongoing conflict has inflicted untold suffering upon innocent civilians, who yearn for safety and stability in their homeland.

Similarly, I urge the Governments and Peoples of Pakistan and India to exercise maximum restraint and use diplomatic channels to resolve their differences. Sustainable peace in South Asia would not only serve the interests of these two great nations but also contribute to global stability.

The prevailing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza also demands urgent attention and action. Many United Nations agencies and humanitarian organisations operating in the Middle East have confirmed that the situation in that region has grimly worsened with devastating loss of innocent lives, widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure, and acute shortages of essential supplies.

I sincerely call upon Israel to cease its military operations and ensure unhindered access for humanitarian aid to reach the civilian population in Gaza. They are going through unbearable hardship! As members of the global community, we cannot remain silent in the face of such atrocities and excessive human suffering.

On the other hand, we welcome the recent lifting of sanctions on Syria, which offers a crucial opportunity for its new government to rebuild the nation and restore its standing within the international community. Reconciliation and reconstruction must now be prioritised to heal the wounds caused by their prolonged civil war.

Fellow Gambians,

I convey profound gratitude to you for your unwavering commitment to peace and harmony, which has been instrumental in stabilising our beloved nation. Your peaceful disposition has complemented my government’s efforts and created a conducive environment that allows for the meaningful and sustainable development initiatives in progress across The Gambia.

We must never take peace for granted. As evidenced by the conflicts I have just mentioned, many nations around the world long for the peace and stability we currently enjoy.

Without peace, development declines, thus hindering progress. We must remember that the remarkable advancements recorded in the country are a direct result of our collective commitment to peaceful coexistence.

I call upon all citizens and residents of The Gambia to continue upholding the rule of law and accord the highest respect to the democratic and oversight institutions that safeguard our democracy.

Our national institutions are the pillars upon which our democratic governance stands, and their independence and effectiveness are essential for national progress.

My administration will remain sensitive and positively responsive to your concerns and aspirations. I assure you that accountability and transparency will continue to guide our governance approach. To this end, in our fight against corruption, there will be no exemptions or special treatment for anyone, and due process will be followed wherever wrongdoing is evident.

Let me affirm clearly, as well, that my government will fulfil its constitutional mandate to protect life and property by maintaining law and order throughout The Gambia.

Any individual or group with intentions to destabilise the country under any pretext will face the full force of the law. We cannot condone any hidden agenda to undermine the peace and stability that we have collectively worked so hard to achieve.

As we celebrate Eid al-Adha, let us renew our commitment to the values that unite us as Gambians and as members of the global community, especially the values of compassion, tolerance, and mutual respect. Let us strengthen the bonds that connect us across our various backgrounds and beliefs. In the same way, let us work together towards a future of shared prosperity and peace. This is the best way forward.

May Allah, in His infinite mercy, preserve the peace and stability of The Gambia and restore peace around the world. May He also accept our prayers and sacrifices during this holy season and beyond.

Eid Mubarak to you all.