By Abdou Mbye & Mariatou Ngum
His Excellency Mohammed B.S. Jallow, Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia, on Tuesday, 14 July reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening traditional leadership and improving the welfare of Seyfolu as he received the National Council of Seyfolu on a courtesy call at the State House in Banjul.
The delegation was led by the Paramount Seyfo and Chairman of the National Council of Seyfolu, Alhaji Yaya Jarjusey, and included the Governor of the Lower River Region, Mr. Seedy Lamin Bah, as well as executive members of the Council.
Welcoming the delegation, Vice President Jallow congratulated Alhaji Yaya Jarjusey on his appointment as Chairman of the National Council of Seyfolu and praised traditional rulers for their indispensable role in maintaining peace, promoting social cohesion, preserving the country’s rich cultural heritage, and serving as a vital bridge between government and local communities.
Addressing the Vice President, Chairman Jarjusey expressed appreciation for the audience and highlighted several challenges confronting Seyfolu across the country. He appealed for increased government support to improve their operational effectiveness, citing the need for reliable transportation to facilitate community engagements, improved courthouse facilities, enhanced allowances and salaries, better remuneration for badge messengers, and conditions of service comparable to those enjoyed by the Civil Service, including greater security of tenure.
The Permanent Secretary acknowledged the concerns raised by the Council, assuring the delegation that all the issues presented, particularly those affecting badge messengers and the welfare of Seyfolu, had been carefully noted for the Government’s consideration.
Responding to the delegation, Vice President Jallow assured the Council that the Government, under the leadership of His Excellency President Adama Barrow, remains committed to addressing the legitimate concerns of traditional leaders.
He emphasised that Seyfolu derive their mandate from the laws of The Gambia and play an indispensable role in upholding the rule of law and due process at the community level.
“We have heard your concerns, and we will work closely with the relevant line ministry to address them. Under the leadership of President Adama Barrow, I assure you that your concerns will receive the attention they deserve,” the Vice President stated.
Acknowledging the demanding nature of their responsibilities, Vice President Jallow observed that land disputes remain among the most pressing challenges faced by traditional rulers and stressed the need to equip them with the necessary resources to discharge their duties effectively.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the Secretary General of the National Council of Seyfolu, Alhagie Mustapha Dibba, described the engagement as productive and timely. He expressed gratitude to Vice President Jallow and President Adama Barrow for re-establishing the Office of the Paramount Seyfo, noting that the institution continues to play a pivotal role in connecting the Executive with communities throughout the country.
He said the Vice President’s assurances had renewed the Council’s confidence that the welfare and operational needs of Seyfolu would receive due government attention, enabling them to continue promoting peace, resolving community disputes, and supporting national development at the grassroots level.