28/09/2026
People's Movement for National Unity Officially Launched in Buffer Zone
The People's Movement for National Unity (PMNU), led by prominent philanthropist Momodou Turo Darboe, was officially launched on Saturday in a celebration marked by cultural displays, cross-community attendance, and resonant calls for national cohesion.
Held in Buffer Zone Tallinding and drawing crowds from Latrikunda, Fajikunda, and beyond, the event served multiple ceremonial purposes: the formal launch of the movement, a naming ceremony for Mr Darboe's daughters, and the inauguration of the Latrikunda Kafo, which conferred on Darboe the title of Honorary Father.
Launched under the slogan and motto "One Gambia One Nation One People", the PMNU positions national unity as its foundational principle. Speaking to the convergence, Darboe articulated a vision centred on integration rather than division.
"The gathering was to integrate a vision, a vision of unity, a vision of peace, a vision of development, a vision of a stronger Gambia and the message is one Gambia, one people, one nation," he said.
He emphasised that citizens may come from different regions, speak different languages, belong to different political parties, hold different opinions, and possess different backgrounds, but must never forget their common national identity.
"Differences should not divide us; instead, they should make us stronger," Darboe added. "Our political country is not built by people who all think the same way but rather it is built by people who learn to respect one another despite their differences."
He urged the convergence to create opportunity without excuses, promote dialogue over hate, and choose cooperation over division and national interests over personal interests.
Mr Baye Jammeh, representing the Alikalo of Latrikunda Sabiji, praised Darboe's longstanding humanitarian efforts, particularly the provision of scholarships and water boreholes through the Vision Development Foundation (VDF) and implored the movement to address pressing community challenges, including road conditions, street lighting, and classroom infrastructure, as well as waste management.
Latrikunda resident Lamin Suso underscored that national unity must take precedence over all other concerns.
"Differences in political affiliation and opinions must not be allowed to be sources of division amongst the citizenry, which the slogan of the party is aligned with," he said.
Women rep of Latrikunda Sabiji, Haddy Jatta, echoed concerns about the lack of street lights and deteriorating roads in the community, and called for support to remedy the situation.
Alhagie Ousman Sarjo elaborated on relations between Faji K***a and Latrikunda, noting: "Choosing Darboe as their Honorary Father has revived and strengthened those long ties between the two communities."
Alpha Bah, Youth Rep of Latrikunda, argued that the party's slogan, when fully embraced, would drive growth and eradicate tribalism from The Gambia.
"Tribalism has no benefit but destruction, and I urge the youths to be cautious of tribalism and stay away from it in any form," he said.
Ba Sorry Sanneh, Youth Leader Tallinding, called on the public to prevent politics from becoming a source of division.
"Politics comes and goes, but our relationship stays, and it must not be allowed to sever those relations and peaceful coexistence," he urged the youths.
Imam Abubacarr Touray, deliberating on unity, told the convergence that all mankind are brothers as stipulated in the Quran.
"The slogan of One People One Gambia One Nation is aligned with and strengthens that teaching and dicta of the Holy Quran," he said.
Sahou Fofanna, Public Relations Officer of PMNU, described the event as a national symbol, underscoring its aim to promote the clarion call for national unity.
"The Gambia, if not united, will usher in a Gambia that citizens do not yearn for. We should all embrace and respond to the national unity call of Mr Darboe," he said.
He assured that the movement was in the interest of Gambians and called on citizens to fully embrace the message, adding: "One Gambia One People One Nation is for all of us that we need to fully embrace".
Amidst continuing speculation over his political position, Darboe informed the gathering that on 24 October he will officially declare his political decision either to sponsor an independent candidate or to join an alliance with an existing political party.
Speaker after speaker congratulated Darboe for the humanitarian support he continues to render to communities nationwide through his Vision Development Foundation.
PC. VOD and HK
