In a poignant display of political humility and cross-generational solidarity, Saikou Sawo, the dynamic leader of the newly formed Golden Era Party (GEP), and his running mate Neneh Cheyassin, paid a respectful visit to veteran opposition figure Halifa Sallah on Friday. The meeting, held in the quiet confines of Sallah’s Serekunda residence, underscored the duo’s quest for blessings from one of the Gambia’s most revered elder statesmen as they gear up for the 2026 presidential elections.
Sallah, 70, the Secretary-General of the People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS) and a lifelong champion of democratic reforms, has been a thorn in the side of authoritarianism since the 1981 coup.
His decades-long activism, including bids for the presidency and his role in the 2016 coalition that ousted Yahya Jammeh, have cemented his status as a moral compass for Gambian politics. Saikou and Cheyassin, both in their 40s and 50s– representing a fresh wave of youth-driven change– approached the icon not as rivals but as disciples seeking guidance.
“Our conversation was both inspiring and sobering,” Saikou said in a statement released post-meeting, his voice laced with reverence.
“Hon. Sallah’s wisdom, humility, and lifelong service to The Gambia continue to light the path for all who seek genuine national transformation. Building a better country begins with each citizen embracing responsibility, discipline, and service to the people,” he remarked.
The discussion reportedly delved into the perils of political opportunism and the imperatives of citizen empowerment. At its heart was Sallah’s latest tome, ‘Nurturing Sovereign Citizens,’ launched months ago to critical acclaim. Far from a mere academic exercise, the book serves as a clarion call for Gambians to reclaim agency in forging a self-reliant, just society. “It’s a guide for every Gambian to understand their role in shaping a progressive nation,” Saikou emphasized, urging youth, leaders, and dreamers alike to devour its pages. “We encourage every voice in this movement toward a more conscious and united Gambia.”
Cheyassin echoed her partner’s sentiments, highlighting Sallah’s emphasis on gender-inclusive governance.
“His blessings remind us that true leadership is about lifting the collective, not personal glory,” she noted. Sallah, ever the sage, reportedly offered measured counsel: “The mandate of the people is sacred; earn it through deeds, not promises.”
As Gambia’s political landscape heats up— with President Adama Barrow’s coalition facing mounting scrutiny over economic woes and youth unemployment— the GEP positions itself as a beacon of disciplined renewal. Saikou, a former entrepreneur who founded the party in 2025 amid calls for anti-corruption reforms, aims to channel millennial frustrations into a “golden era” of accountability.
