The Alliance for Patriotic Re-Orientation and Construction (APRC) has held a landmark national congress at the Atlantic Hotel in Banjul.
Members at the congress discussed the party’s agenda and addressed political issues that could undermine democratic values, good governance, and peaceful coexistence in the country.
The event, held at the weekend, was the 9th Congress since the party lost power, aimed at strengthening party’s interests and regaining the people’s trust.
During the event, APRC executive members and delegates emphasised the importance of nationalism, unity, reconciliation, and the empowerment of youth and women.
They called for an end to partisan politics that could incite violence in the country’s political landscape, referring to section 25(1) of the constitution that guarantees the rights to assembly, association, and union without resorting to violence.
Delivering his welcoming remarks, the Secretary-General and standard-bearer of the APRC, Fabakary Tombong Jatta, stated that verbal attacks and partisan politics should not have a place in the country’s political atmosphere, as such behaviours could lead to “serious unrest”.
“Our focus is to promote unity, patriotism, and solidarity,” he emphasised. “Without unity, all our achievements and successes will be washed away. Our divergent views and opinions are healthy if expressed respectfully; let us put The Gambia first before anything else.”
Mr Jatta reaffirmed APRC’s commitment to serving the general interests of its members for national development, emphasizing that the country’s interests should take precedence over individual or party interests.
Recognizing the significant threat posed by misinformation and disinformation in the media landscape, Hon Jatta noted that the APRC-NPP alliance would continue as long as party supporters remain committed.
The bond between the APRC and the NPP would be strengthened leading up to the upcoming presidential election.
Meanwhile, former Speaker and Member of Parliament Fatoumatta Jahumpa Ceesay emphasised the profound contributions of women in society, asserting: “Behind every successful man, there is a woman.”
Hon. Jahumpa concluded that the political atmosphere is marred by unpleasant sentiments that could weaken the country’s democracy thus called for reconciliation to address social vices that threaten the Gambian society.
“I urge political and religious leaders, the government, and stakeholders to exercise our democratic rights with discipline, honesty, and sincerity, so we can leave a legacy for future generations,” she advised.
Moreover, Mrs Ceesay stressed that a nation’s wealth should be measured not by individual prosperity but by the well-being of its people.
She noted the need for vigilance in upholding democratic values, creating space for marginalized groups, and advocating accountability, justice, and transparency for the nation’s interests.
In the same vein, Samba Jallow, a representative from the National Reconciliation Party (NRP), also emphasised that politics should be rooted in sound visions and programs.
He denounced provocation and inflammatory rhetoric, saying: “Any political party registered with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has its manifesto, policies, and programs. If any political party wishes to transform the country, like Singapore, then no party should provoke another. If we are to compete as political parties, it should be based on policies and programs, without insults. I believe this is essential.”
Mr Jallow questioned whether any political party would want to bring harm to the country, and called for all parties to compete on moral values.
The 9th APRC National Congress was attended by delegates from various regions and parties, reflecting a clear desire for reconciliation and unity among different factions, for national development. The need for cooperation and dialogue is seen as vital in fostering a sense of brotherhood, as enshrined in the national anthem, the party upholds.
