Under the auspices of the Guinean Consulate in Banjul, Guineans in The Gambia on Friday marked the 68th anniversary of Guinea’s independence from France in 1958.
The event took place at Coco Ocean and Resort Hotel attended by a cross section of people from The Gambia and the international community who were encapsulated by the story of the controversial yet historic nature of Guinea’s independence and its struggle to become a viable nation.
Guinea became the first French colony in West Africa to gain independence in 1958 when the then vocal pro- independence political leader Ahmed Saikou Ture rejected visiting French president Charles De Gaulle’s proposal and told him that Guinea preferred poverty in freedom to riches in slavery.
At the anniversary in Banjul Friday, Amadou Camara, a representative from the of the Guinean Consulate General in Banjul reminded the audience of that historic day and the memorable journey Guinea took to this day. He recounted the long history of close strong ties between Guinea and The Gambia which he said was further consolidated by the recent visit of President Adama Barrow to Guinea.
In response, the Director of African Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Lamin Fatty said the struggle for Guinea’s independence stands out as a beacon for generations of Africans who fought for the liberation of the continent .”Today the sacrifices of the men and women of Guinea such as Ahmed Saikou Ture continue to share the destiny of the country.
Camara made mention of the special relation between the two countries,saying that they have over the years built a solid framework for bilateral cooperation which remains as an important mechanism for reviewing our cooperation. He too referenced the meeting of the heads of state Conakry saying it provided an important occasion for the two governments to strengthen relations in the areas of security, infrastructure and energy.
The occasion was splashed with cultural entertainment by Guinean and Gambian traditional musicians followed by a sumptuous dinner. The event was coordinated by Madame Fatima Barry of the Guinean Consulate .