By Biran Gaye
On a solemn yet invigorating occasion, activists, educators, and community leaders gathered for African Liberation Day, an event marked by poignant discussions centered around freedom, identity, and the lingering shadows of slavery.
Amid the backdrop of music and chants that recalled the struggles of past generations, a powerful voice from the crowd rose: Halifa Sallah, a Pan-African and season politician.
“Where are the chains?” the Hon. Sallah implored, his voice echoing through the gathering organized by The University of The Gambia Pan-African Students’ Association. “Have you seen them? The chains in my hand, on my legs? You have the drama depicting the pain of slavery. But why? Is it just for drama’s sake?”
This rhetorical questioning set the tone for an examination of not only historical tragedies but also the contemporary struggles faced by many across the African continent and its diaspora.
The event, marking African Liberation Day on Sunday, May 25, explored the harrowing journeys of countless young Africans seeking better opportunities abroad—many of whom risk their lives in perilous voyages across the Atlantic.
“She thought about that baby and the father of the baby, joining the millions of Africans whose graveyard is at the bottom of the Atlantic,” Mr Sallah recounted a heart-wrenching story, invoking a profound moment of silence among attendees.
These narratives were juxtaposed against the assertion of freedom prevailing today, with the seasoned statesman challenging the audience: “Yet you still say that you are free. Are you free?”
He urged Gambians to reconsider their perceptions of freedom and address the barriers that remain—spiritual and societal chains that still bind many.
Held at Nusrat Senior Secondary School, the discussions turned towards the significance of understanding one’s past to shape a robust future.
“Unless we understand our present, we will not be able to shape our destiny,” he echoed, emphasising the importance of education beyond modern distractions.
“They are telling us that knowledge is TikTok,” he said, denouncing the reduction of complex knowledge and identity into fleeting trends.
As the conversation evolved, the notion of reclaiming what has been lost emerged.
“What belongs to you, you take it back,” the former lawmaker urged, encouraging empowerment and unity among Africans everywhere. “You are not voiceless. You are very powerful.” These sentiments resonated well with the crowd, fostering a spirit of solidarity and motivation to confront lingering inequalities.
The former Serekunda lawmaker advocates for economic independence and the emancipation of the mind – a means to achieve personal freedom and self-determination. By fostering a mindset that values critical thinking and self-reliance, Halifa encourages individuals to break free from societal constraints and pursue their true potential for a more empowered and self-sufficient community, where people are not only financially independent but also intellectually liberated.
The African Liberation Day celebration, themed ‘Understanding Neocolonialism in the Age of Uprisings’, also paid homage to the historic movements led by those who refused to accept their status as slaves. From the battle in Santo Domingo that birthed Haiti’s independence to modern efforts for unity across the African continent, the echoes of resistance and resilience permeated the event.
“Our ancestors saw themselves as captives who needed to free themselves,” Mr Sallah reminded the audience, urging a collective recognition of shared history.
As participants reflected on their identities, the conversation shifted toward Pan-Africanism – a rallying cry for unity across the continent and the diaspora. The seasoned politician called for overcoming nationalistic divisions, urging people to see beyond borders, proclaiming, “Africa will belong to the African people.”
In closing, the day’s events presented a clarion call for all Africans to reclaim their identity, acknowledge their shared history, and unite in the pursuit of true freedom and prosperity. “Are the lessons becoming clear?” he challenged.
Mr Sallah called for a renewed resolve, embodying the spirit of African Liberation Day, echoing a collective commitment to striving for a better future where all people can thrive in dignity and unity.
As the sun set on the gathering, the mood shifted from solemn reflection to hopeful determination, with participants prepared to carry forth the torch of liberation, vowing to dismantle the metaphorical chains that still affect their societies today.
