Thousands of Muslims in The Gambia and the sub region on Sunday converged on Gunjur for the annual Ziarra dedicated to Cheikh Oumar Foutiyou Tall. The event, which is one of the biggest Muslim gatherings in The Gambia, commemorates Cheikh Omar Foutiyou Tall's one month retreat for meditation in Gunjur with God's guidance, when the area was inhabited by only wild animals.
 
The 30th annual Ziarra held on sunday was dedicated to the Cheikh and founder of the Muslim brotherhood.

To ensure the success of the event considered top in the agenda of the Omarian family of Dakar, The Gambian President Dr Alhaji Yahya Jammeh has given instructions to his government to mobilize all the necessary resources required for the gathering.

A press release issued by the Khalife in Dakar and published by Senegal's official news agency APS, disclosed that the Gambian leader has generously attributed the site to Gunjur's Omarian family for the annual Ziarra in a bid to avoid the extension of land occupation to consume the sacred perimeter where Cheikh Oumar Foutiyou Tall observed his retreat and prayers and where his footsteps are still visible.
 
Commending The Gambia government's efforts' and commitment to the Ziarra, the Khalife's press release recalled that each year, President Jammeh has been represented by a strong delegation.

Considering the growing number of Muslims coming from Mauritania, Mali, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Conakry, Senegal and The Gambia to attend the event, Thierno Habibou Daha Tall said "this year's Ziarra has been commemorated under the umbrella of African Unity and the Senegambian fraternity in particular". Special prayers were offered to the peoples of the two sister countries.