Editorial

We wish to commend the president, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya AJJ Jammeh for the donation of an extra one million seven hundred thousand dalasis to the people of Pirang to complete the construction of their mosque. This is however not the first time the president is manifesting such a magnanimous gesture towards the country's religious groups particularly Islam. His immense contribution in enabling Muslims and Christians to perform pilgrimages to Mecca and Rome respectfully, and his personal efforts towards boosting the morals of the religious leaders in the country are all testimonies to the fact that promotion of peace and stability in the country is his utmost priority.

Such a move by the president is precisely the reason why The Gambia is a peaceful country. The people, regardless of difference in ethnic identity or political affiliations, are living in peace, love and harmony. The secret behind this success story is the enviable prevailing religious tolerance, which enables the different religious groups in the country to co-exist. The hospitality of the country is due to our common cultural values which have a commonalistic orientation as well as a government that always puts humanity first.

Remember, it is not unusual for the different religious groups to meet the head of state and senior government officials during times of their religious obligations to discuss matters of concern not only pertaining to their religious groups but the nation at large. The Gambia has a remarkable legacy of religious tolerance. Religious freedom is guaranteed by the constitution. Christians and Muslims live peacefully together, interacting freely in daily life, be it in the market square, schools, political parties, or business ventures. This hospitable environment sustained by President Jammeh has created conditions in which Islam, Christianity and the other faiths have been able to thrive.

Besides, the constitution provides for freedom of religion, and the government generally respects this right in practice. The government at all levels strives to protect this right in full, and does not tolerate its abuse, either by governmental or private actors. The government permits and does not limit religious instructions in schools. Biblical and Qu'ranic studies are provided in both public and private schools throughout the country without government restriction or interference.

Despite the fact that Muslims are in the majority, all religions enjoy a peaceful and harmonious co-existence. Although Islam is the predominant religion, the country is a secular state, which promotes respect for all cultural, religious and traditional values. This atmosphere of tolerance and respect is sustained and made possible by the leadership of the president of the Republic, Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh and his government. This religious tolerance has been manifested in so many ways, not least in the participation of Muslims and other religious bodies in the religious celebrations. Let us continue to inculcate these virtues in our children as the future leaders of this country.