By Lamin Kujabi
His Excellency President Adama Barrow on Friday, 8 August 2026, received a high-level delegation of Alkalolu from the West Coast Region at State House in Banjul.
The delegation was led by the newly elected President of the West Coast Alkalolu Association, Malamin Kajorr Manneh, Alkalo of Brufut. The meeting was held to formally introduce the new leadership of the association to the President and seek his support for a planned regional tour aimed at promoting peace, tolerance, dialogue, and unity across the region.
Speaking to the press after the meeting, Alkalo Manneh described the engagement with President Barrow as productive, saying the delegation briefed the President on the activities and objectives of the association, which comprises 333 village heads across the West Coast Region.
He said the association intends to embark on a regional tour to engage its members, strengthen coordination, and promote greater cooperation and partnership among settlements throughout the region.
Alkalo Manneh expressed appreciation to President Barrow for his support to the association, particularly through financial and logistical assistance. He said the planned tour would help reinvigorate the association and strengthen its role in promoting development and social cohesion.
Sheriffo Jatta, Alkalo of Giboro Kuta, commended President Barrow for what he described as his emphasis on dialogue and consultation in governance. He said the meeting also provided an opportunity to raise awareness about the association’s activities and objectives.
Alhaji Salifu Ceesay, Alkalo of Sinch, noted that Alkalolu, as custodians of culture and tradition, occupy a unique position in Gambian society. He said the planned regional tour would seek to engage various sections of society to promote peace, tolerance, dialogue, and social cohesion.
He further called for village heads to play a stronger role in resolving community disputes, including land-related conflicts. He thanked President Barrow for creating an environment in which Alkalolu could strengthen their traditional authority and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to supporting efforts that promote peace and development.
Amie Colley, Alkalo of Talokoto, appealed to communities to support their village authorities in promoting peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and stability. She also urged Alkalolu to work collectively in the best interests of their communities and the wider West Coast Region.
Mondo Jatta, Chief of Brikama North, commended the Alkalolu for the initiative and urged traditional leaders to draw inspiration from their commitment to unity and collective action.
Chief Jatta said the planned regional tour would provide an important platform for consultation among Alkalolu in the West Coast Region, with discussions expected to focus on strengthening traditional leadership and fostering greater unity among elders, women, and young people.
He also reaffirmed his support for President Barrow and encouraged Alkalolu to use their influence constructively to promote peace, unity, and community engagement as the country approaches the December elections.
The delegation was accompanied to State House by Dou Sanno, Political Adviser, and Honourable Lamin K. Saidy, Deputy Youth Adviser.
