By Assan Bah
In a powerful address at a symposium marking The Gambia’s 60th anniversary of independence, Honourable Halifa Sallah urged the nation’s youth to embrace the values of sovereign citizenship, calling for a shift in mindset to build a stronger, united Gambia.
The event, organized by the movement “Nurturing Patriotic Citizens,” was held at the National Youth Parliament complex in Kanifing and attracted a diverse crowd of young people, students, and community members eager to discuss the future of their country.
Sallah, a seasoned political leader and champion of civic rights, captivated the audience with his impassioned lecture on sovereignty, patriotism, and the role of citizens in nation-building. He argued that true independence begins with each individual recognizing their own sovereignty, emphasizing that the power to shape the nation resides within the people.
“Independence is not an event, it is a continuous process,” Sallah declared. “If you don’t define yourself, others will define you. Independence starts with the people — sovereignty starts with each one of you.” He stressed the importance of nurturing sovereign citizens who understand their power and responsibility to the nation.
The movement behind the event, according to its deputy spokesperson Bakary Keita, is focused on shifting the mindset of Gambians, especially the younger generation. Keita explained that the movement seeks to foster patriotism, social cohesion, and civic responsibility, particularly among youth and children. “A thriving nation is one where citizens love and dedicate themselves to the welfare of the country,” he said.
Keita also discussed the harsh realities facing The Gambia despite its decades of independence. “Sixty years after independence, we remain one of the world’s poorest countries, with half of our population living in poverty and many youth unemployed or underemployed,” he noted. “Our country is heavily reliant on loans and grants, micromanaged by the IMF. But we believe The Gambia has the potential to become a prosperous nation.”
Sallah echoed this optimism, but insisted that to achieve prosperity, Gambians must take ownership of their future. “When we build our collective capacity, we can become more patriotic and responsible in ensuring that our resources are used for the benefit of the people,” he said.
In his speech, Sallah also warned against romanticizing the idea of independence, urging the nation to focus on mental liberation. “We were oppressed, humiliated, and discriminated against,” he said. “Now we need to work on freeing our minds. Organization and knowledge are power — when combined, they lead to true liberation.”
Sallah argued that education plays a critical role in shaping a sovereign nation. “The understanding of our constitution, our rights, and our duties as citizens should be taught from an early age,” he said. “This knowledge will allow us to collectively decide how to govern ourselves and manage our resources.”
The former lawmaker’s speech resonated deeply with the audience, as he outlined a vision for a united Gambia where ethnic, generational, and cultural divisions are put set aside in favour of collective progress. “When we sit together, learn from each other, and harness the collective intelligence of our society, we will build a Gambia we can all be proud of,” Sallah concluded. “If we love The Gambia and work together, we will all reap the rewards.”
With his call to action, Sallah reminded the audience that the true power of the Gambia lies not in its leaders, but in its people. “Sovereignty resides in you,” he said. “Together, we can build a future where every citizen plays a part in shaping the destiny of our nation.”
