By: Momodou S Gagigo
Former First Lady of The Gambia, Tuti Faal, wife of ex-President Yahya Jammeh, made a rare public appearance in Seattle, United States, delivering a message focused on women’s political participation, tolerance, respect, and national unity.
Speaking at a fundraising event organized by the National People’s Party (NPP), Faal urged Gambians to reject hatred and political division. She argued that differences should never destroy the bonds uniting citizens.
Addressing elders and Gambians present, she greeted President Adama Barrow, his family, and the Gambian people, while stressing the need for greater roles for women in politics.
“Women should not be left behind in politics. Women should not be left out or left behind, as we are the mothers and taking care of the homes,” she said.
Faal emphasized that politics should not breed conflict, hatred or personal disputes, noting that power is temporary and determined by God. “Politics is not about fights or hatred or dispute. We are all the same people. Anyone who sits, it is Allah that makes you sit. And anyone who will go, you will go when your time is up,” she said. She called for political competition conducted with respect, harmony and friendship, regardless of affiliations.
In a striking anecdote, she recalled Hamat NK Bah expressing confidence in winning an election but promising to visit State House for coffee if he lost. After the victory, Faal reminded her husband of the promise and invited Bah. “We chatted, laughed together. This is politics. This is what we know as politicians and as Gambians,” she said, illustrating that competition need not create permanent hostility.
She also described meeting UDP leader Lawyer Ousainou Darboe at a shop in Bakau, where they greeted, laughed and chatted. “We can all have different opinions and different choices of voting. But regardless, after the politics, we are all the same,” Faal noted.
She urged young Gambians to respect elders and for elders to guide the youth. Her remarks come amid polarised political debates in The Gambia and among the diaspora, particularly on social media. Faal advocated a culture where disagreement does not become personal conflict, preserving traditional values of respect, kindness and solidarity.
She concluded with a humorous story about her mother insisting on voting. When Faal joked that her mother would not eat her food afterward, her mother replied they would not eat. “That shows you that politics is about harmony and love. This is what we know as Gambians,” Faal said.
Her appearance is notable years after she left Gambia following her divorce from ex-President Jammeh. Rather than dwelling on divisions, Faal called for reconciliation, women’s inclusion, respect for elders and peaceful coexistence, reminding Gambians that elections and office are temporary while community bonds endure. “Let’s do it with fun, respect, and harmony,” she urged, placing national unity above partisan differences.
