By Mariatou Ngum & Abdou Mbye

His Excellency the Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia, Mohammed B.S. Jallow, today received Bishop Dag Heward-Mills and his delegation at his office in State House, Banjul.

Welcoming the delegation, VP Jallow reaffirmed The Gambia’s constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion, noting that every citizen has the right to practise their faith without interference. He commended the country’s long-standing tradition of religious tolerance, stressing that whether Muslim or Christian, Gambians share a common heritage rooted in the teachings of Abraham.

The Vice President also called on the Bishop and his delegation to continue praying for peace in The Gambia and around the world. He noted that continued prayer would help safeguard the peace and unity the country has long enjoyed.

Bishop Dag Heward-Mills expressed profound gratitude to His Excellency and the Government of The Gambia for the warm welcome and religious freedom extended to his mission. He commended The Gambia as an open and democratic nation, recalling his first visit 14 years ago and describing the country as “the smiling coast of Africa.” He pledged to continue praying for the nation’s peace, healing, and prosperity.

Also speaking at the audience, Hon. Henry Gomez, Special Adviser to the President, thanked the delegation for the engagement and called for continued unity among all faiths, describing The Gambia as a secular state where citizens live together as one, regardless of religion.