Hundreds of elderly members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in The Gambia on Friday converged in Mansakonko for their 19th Annual National Ijtema, a three-day spiritual gathering dedicated to promoting patriotism and national service.
The convention, organised by Majlis Ansarullah, the elderly wing of the Jamaat for members aged 40 and above was held at the Tahir Ahmadiyya Senior Secondary School from Friday 16th to Sunday 18th October 2026.
It draws participants from all regions of The Gambia and beyond, including a delegation from Guinea-Bissau.
This year’s theme is: “Love of One’s Country is Part of Faith.”
In his powerful opening remarks, the Sadr President of Majlis Ansarullah, The Gambia, Kemo Sonko, declared that the theme embodies patriotism, justice, compassion, honesty and service to humanity all consistent with Islamic teachings.
“Allah, the Almighty, loves goodness and benevolence towards His creation. Therefore, if we want to be loved by Allah, we need to love our country just as the love that springs from the same emotions as that of a mother who loves and cares for her children dearly,” Sadr Sonko said.
He stressed that love for nation is inseparable from faith.
“If we love Allah and His noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW), then as elders of the Jamaat, we should love our country, as we have no other alternative place to live,” he stated.
Citing the exemplary conduct of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) after the Battle of Uhud, Sonko recalled that despite the enmity inflicted upon him by the Meccans, the Prophet raised funds to support them when severe famine struck Mecca.
“This act of goodness demonstrated by the Holy Prophet shows that our power, knowledge, and skills should all be used not for our own comfort, but for the care and progress of our beloved country, and solely for the promotion of peace,” he said.
“As members of Majlis Ansarullah, we have a duty to make every effort to discharge the rights and promote the welfare of our fellow citizens. For the love of our country, we should faithfully carry out our duties and perform our acts of worship without any bargaining spirit,” he added.
Sadr Sonko further challenged members to emulate three distinguished Ahmadi personalities who served their nations with honour and distinction:
Sir Farimang Mamadi Singhateh, an Ahmadi who served as the second Governor-General of The Gambia from 1966 until the country became a Republic in 1970; Sir Muhammad Zafrullah Khan, the first Foreign Minister of Pakistan from 1947 to 1954, who later served as President of the UN General Assembly and as President of the International Court of Justice at The Hague; and Professor Abdus Salam, the Nobel Laureate in Physics who served as Chief Scientific Adviser to the President of Pakistan.
“We must emulate these excellent personalities in seeking knowledge, acquiring immense integrity, and having strong faith, in order to serve our motherland with merit and leave behind a legacy that benefits not only our current generation but generations yet unborn,” he urged.
Delivering a statement on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, Deputy Police Commissioner Biran Jallow said the theme was timely and relevant as The Gambia heads towards elections.
“What does it mean for one to love his country? It does not mean raising our national flag or celebrating our independence days alone. It means being committed to peace, unity, development, and prosperity. It means respecting the rule of law, protecting our environment, helping those in need, and working together as one family,” Commissioner Jallow said.
“If you love your country, you need not ask what your country is supposed to do for you, but rather what you have contributed to uplift your country,” he added.
He called for stronger collaboration between the public and the police for a safer Gambia.
“For us, the police, to be associated with this event was not a mistake but a necessity. We are mandated by the Constitution to protect lives and properties and maintain the rule of law. I urge all of you to collaborate with the police for a safer and crime-free Gambia. Report any suspect and unusual movements before it gets out of hand,” he said.
“As the election approaches, I appeal to all of you to pray for peace. Without peace, there cannot be any election. Without peace, there would not be gatherings like this, and without peace, our children cannot go to school,” he concluded.
The ceremony was marked by a recitation of the Holy Quran by Brother Abdurahman Jawo. The opening was witnessed by Naib Amir and Missionary In-Charge, Ustadz Mahmoud Ahmad Tahir, Naib Amir II, Alhagie Sekou Omar Dibba, Buba Jarju, Officer Commanding LRR Fire and Rescue Service, and senior members of the Jamaat.
The leader of the Guinea-Bissau delegation, Ustaz Yusuf Camara, prayed for the success of the Ijtema and expressed gratitude, noting that the Jamaat in Guinea-Bissau emerged from the shadows of The Gambia Jamaat.
