May 25th each year, is observed as Africa Liberation  Day.

On this day the foundation stone of the total emancipation of the continent was laid and the path to unity was created. This day is a significant day for Africans all over the globe. It is not just a day for celebration, but rather a sober reflection of the plight of Africans who struggled for the emancipation of the continent.

The day means a lot to Africans, as it marks yet a moment to enlighten our fellow Africans, about the struggles our founding fathers fought to gain self-independence. It is against this backdrop, that Foundation for Legal Aid Research and Empowerment, (FLARE) in collaboration with the Pan-African Congress (PAC) last Monday organised a symposium in observance of the Day at the Father Farrell Memorial Hall in Westfield. The theme for this year's commemoration is 'Leaderrship in Africa; to build prosperous, self-reliant and peaceful Africa, to create and empower people, to build a democratic and developed soceity forward to a united Africa'.

Speaking at the ceremony, Halifa Sallah, a pioneering member of FLARE, said knowledge is important in the development of any society adding that without knowledge, the foundation of any meaningful development will not be laid. "The day is not just a day for academic exercise, but a day to look at our strength and weakness," he said.

Sallah pointed out that Africa Liberation Day is every day. Sallah spoke at length on the importance of the day emphasising that now is the time to build Africa for Africans. Dilating on the importance of the media on the day, Emily Touray, a member of the Gambia Press Union and also a practising journalist disclosed that media is a tool for enlightening people, which he said, has played a crucial role in the Liberation of African continent. He pointed out that Africans should be mentally liberated in order to forge ahead towards their development goals.

Professor Lansana Keita at the University of the Gambia emphasised that human civilization began in Africa, adding that the continent is now faced with leadership crisis. He observed that Africa cannot attain international respect and recognition unless the right freedoms for African people are respected by African leaders and governments. Other speakers at the ceremony included Gibairu Janneh, a student at the University of the Gambia, who is also a member of PAC; Almame Taal, a human rights lawyer and Madi Jobarteh. Human rights activists, students and a cross section of the community graced the symposium.