AN OPEN LETTER TO HON. HALIFA SALLAH: Honoring Four Decades of Constitutional Advocacy, Civic Education, and Graceful Transition in The Gambia

AN OPEN LETTER TO HON. HALIFA SALLAH

Statesman, Sociologist, Educator, and Co-Founder of PDOIS

Honorable Elder and Statesman,

On behalf of Fulani News Media (fulaninewsmedia.com), Fulbe Laide Afrika, and millions of readers across The Gambia, West Africa, and the global Fulbe diaspora, I write to extend our profound respect and gratitude as you step back from four decades of frontline partisan politics.

Throughout your forty years in Gambian public life—from co-founding the People's Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS) in 1986, to representing the people of Serrekunda in the National Assembly, to serving in the Pan-African Parliament—you demonstrated that politics does not have to be driven by tribal division, personal insults, or greed. You taught generations of Gambians to read their Constitution, know their civic rights, and hold every leader accountable through knowledge rather than violence.

History will forever remember your calm, principled statesmanship during The Gambia's defining 2016–2017 democratic transition. At a moment when uncertainty threatened our homeland, your steady voice helped guide the nation away from crisis and toward constitutional peace.

Even more inspiring to Africa's youth today is the dignity with which you have chosen to pass the torch to a younger generation—proving that true leadership is measured not by clinging to titles, but by building institutions and empowering successors. As Gambians prepare to go to the polls on December 5, 2026, your enduring message remains vital for every citizen and every candidate: power belongs to the people, elections must be won through ideas and policies, and peace must always come before party.

May Allah grant you good health, strength, and continued wisdom as you serve our nation and continent as an elder statesman, writer, and mentor. Your legacy is permanently etched in the democratic conscience of The Gambia.

With highest esteem and fraternal respect,

Alphajoe Aj Jallow

Founder, CEO & Lead Analyst

Fulani News Media / Fulbe Laide Afrika

Brikama, The Gambia

Website: https://fulaninewsmedia.com

Email: fulaniafrika@gmail.com