By Aja Beyai
FANTANKA unveiled memorial benches today to commemorate the April 10th and 11th, 2000 student demonstrations. The benches serve functional and commemorative purposes and have been installed at key public locations, including the Kanifing Main Library, Westfield, and the Banjul National Library. This initiative recognizes the historical significance of the student protests and celebrates their role in the nation’s history.
Mallen Jobarteh, the Country Director of FANTANKA, remarked that each bench serves as a powerful reminder of the courage and sacrifice of those who suffered during the demonstrations. Jobarteh noted that the benches embody the pain of history and the community’s resilience, and she emphasized that these memorials are a call to action for society to uphold justice, accountability, and the fundamental rights of all individuals.
During the presentation at the Gambia National Library, Tijan Jow, an advocate for Fandanga and the project coordinator, highlighted the importance of this memorialization initiative. He explained that three memorial benches have been strategically placed in public spaces, including the KMC library and Westfield, the site of the tragic events.
Jow stressed the significance of commemorating the well-known incidents in urban areas and bringing attention to lesser-known stories from rural regions where similar tragedies occurred. This initiative aims to educate young people and preserve the collective memory of the victims.
Lamin Dibba, representing the Lord Mayor, spoke on the importance of remembering the young individuals involved in April 10th and 11th, 2000.
He emphasized the need to honor the victims and acknowledge the struggles they faced while fighting for their rights. Dibba highlighted that many of those involved were very young at the time and stressed the significance of not forgetting the past, as future leaders will emerge from this generation.
Mr. Alieu Samba Nyang, Project Director of the Kanifing Environmental Transformation Program, noted the positive impact that the FANTANKA Gambia Association is making within the community. He expressed that the newly installed memorial benches at the Kanifing Municipality Library will provide a comfortable space for reading and reflection and serve as a lasting tribute to the students who lost their lives during the demonstrations in 2000.
‘The tragic story of the students who lost their lives during the demonstrations poignantly reminds us of the importance of standing up for one’s rights’. Officials at the event say it’s crucial to continue honoring their memory, and the newly established memorial benches provide a space for students and community members to engage with this history, learn from it, and grow.
This initiative aims to ensure that the sacrifices made by those students are never forgotten, encouraging everyone to utilize the area for the benefit of future generations.
Mohammed Kamara, the Senior Librarian of the Gambia National Library Service Authority, expressed appreciation for the bench’s addition.
He noted that although the library has many indoor chairs, some students prefer sitting outside when they feel restless.
The new bench will offer students a comfortable place to relax and refresh their minds before returning to their studies. Kamara emphasized that this enhancement to the library environment will encourage students to engage with their surroundings more enjoyablely and will significantly benefit the community.
