Date: August 26, 2025
                                                                                                                  Press Statement

Building True Peace Through Restraint, Justice, and Dialogue

As a society, if we adhere to the wisdom of Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, we can foster mutual respect and live in peace and harmony. Too often, African leaders are advised to be vindictive or heavy-handed. Yet Sir Dawda resisted such pressures—even from within the People’s Progressive Party (PPP). He once said:

“I can never claim it was easy to sow democracy. People criticized me for being too democratic, too soft, and too willing to listen to the other side and consider their stories and concerns. They chastised me, insisting that a leader ought to be decisive, that ‘the chief has the last say.’ I insisted that power must be guided by law and that society must be governed by conscience. Democracy is a culture that has to be learned.”— Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara

Leadership Through Wisdom and Fairness

Lasting peace, stability, and reconciliation do not rely solely on strong institutions but also on the wisdom and fairness with which those institutions exercise their authority.

The government bears a solemn responsibility not only to maintain law and order but to create conditions for meaningful dialogue and social cohesion. True leadership in times of tension is not demonstrated by the force of arms or the walls of a prison, but by creating safe spaces where grievances can be discussed constructively.

Dialogue, Engagement, and Inclusion

By investing in dialogue platforms, promoting community engagement, and ensuring fairness in policies, the government demonstrates that it values every citizen’s voice—especially those who feel marginalized or unheard. This is the pathway to building a stronger, more united nation.

Restraint as a Mark of Discipline

For law enforcement agencies, restraint is not a sign of weakness; it is the highest form of discipline. Every arrest, detention, and prosecution should be guided by necessity, fairness, and respect for human dignity.

When young people are punished excessively or detained without due process, the message sent is one of intimidation and exclusion—not justice. Restraint, on the other hand, opens the door to dialogue, builds trust, and grants institutions the moral authority to lead not by fear, but by fairness.

The Rule of Law: The Cornerstone of Stability

Above all, the rule of law remains the cornerstone of our national stability—a principle the PPP has always championed. The rule of law ensures that power is exercised fairly, rights are protected, and no one—whether citizen or authority—is above accountability.

When the police exceed their duties, there must be space for constructive redress. At the same time, the public must show respect for our men and women in uniform who risk their lives to keep us safe.

Mutual Respect for a Harmonious Society

Mutual respect between the public and security services is not optional; it is the foundation of a peaceful and orderly society. Through dialogue, accountability, and shared responsibility, we can build a country where authority and freedom coexist harmoniously under the protection of the law.

Ousman Madikay Faal
Secretary General and Party Leader
People’s Progressive Party (PPP)