GAMBIA TO MARK FIRST INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE SONINKE LANGUAGE 

Veteran lawyer Sheriff Marie Tambadou, President of the Sumpoo Do Khati Youth Committee, has urged Gambians, especially the Soninke (Serahule) community, to join in the celebration of the International Day of the Soninke Language, set for Wednesday, September 25.

Tambadou explained that UNESCO has designated September 25 as the International Day of the Soninke Language, and this year’s celebration in The Gambia will feature a march from Churchill’s Town petrol station to the Westfield youth monument.

The Soninke language, also called Serahule, is spoken by the Soninke people in West Africa, including The Gambia, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, and other countries.

During a press conference on Saturday at the Westfield youth monument, Lawyer Tambadou announced, “On October 13, 2023, the Executive Board and UNESCO General Assembly unanimously passed resolution 42C/61, declaring September 25 of each year as the International Day of the Soninke Language.”

He emphasized that the recognition of Soninke helps strengthen bonds between nations and communities, as the language is spoken across several countries and has gained recognition beyond Africa due to the pride and identity it represents for its speakers worldwide.

“We invite all Soninke people in The Gambia and globally to join in celebrating this day, showcasing our language and culture, and demonstrating our gratitude and commitment to the significance of this linguistic recognition.

On this 1st anniversary, we extend heartfelt thanks to President Adama Barrow and his government on behalf of all Soninke in The Gambia.