Africa-Press – Gambia. Halifa Sallah, Secretary General of the People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS), has urged party delegates to stand firm against oppressive political systems, declaring that power and national wealth ultimately belong to the people.
Addressing delegates at the opening of the party’s congress on Saturday, Sallah emphasized that liberty, dignity, and prosperity are not privileges but fundamental rights.
“You own the power of this country. You own the wealth of this country. We are assembled here so you can take charge. We must see liberty, dignity, and prosperity as a birthright,” he stated.
He added that any political system that seeks to deprive them of that is not fit to exist, and they must resist its existence, “that is why we are assembled here.”
He stressed that while individuals may appear weak on their own, collective action gives citizens the strength of an entire nation.
“As I gazed at this hall. All the attendees assembled here, I see the diversity of our country. It is Gambia and Gambians rising to take their destiny into their hands. We know that we own this country, and you are assembled here to take ownership of your country,” he said.
Responding to critics who argue that PDOIS has failed to take power because of its political approach, Sallah said the party began its struggle in a country that was not yet politically liberated, noting that liberation is a gradual and demanding process.
He explained that many citizens had been alienated and isolated from governance, often unaware of what government truly represents. According to him, such communities frequently support ruling parties out of the belief that change is impossible.
Sallah questioned whether these citizens fully understood the role of opposition politics, arguing that before advancing any political agenda, people must first be educated about their rights.
“When a government mismanages wealth and power, the people have the right to remove it,” he said, describing political education as a long but necessary journey. He linked the lack of hospitals, clean water, roads, and schools to the mismanagement of national resources by those entrusted to manage them.
He reminded delegates that a core responsibility of PDOIS members is to educate and conscientize the population.
“Our starting point was having members who love their country and people, ready to think critically. If you do not understand a problem, you cannot solve it. You must become a thinker, but some rebelled against this.”
Sallah also dismissed suggestions that political success could be achieved through entertainment or financial inducements, such as distributing food or money to voters.
“Anyone saying your pocket will win elections is a dreamer, does not love the country, and is not ready for change. Pockets do not save people. Those controlling our wealth would not use it to save us. We must save ourselves,” he said.
He concluded by reaffirming that PDOIS remains committed to political sensitization and education as the foundation for genuine and lasting change. “That is why PDOIS focuses on sensitization and education before organization.”
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