Serign Abdou Fattah Mbackeh, the great grandson of Serign Amadou Mbackeh (Serign Touba), and the second Halifa-General of Serign Saliou Mbackeh and Taifa, on Saturday arrived in The Gambia with a high-profile delegation.

Speaking on behalf of the Halifa, Sheikh Ousainou Ngum, a senior member of his delegation, said their visit to the country was one of family re-orientation and to boost the morale of the members of the Mouride brotherhood.

He said Senegal and The Gambia have a kindred relationship that has kept both countries together since time in memorial, adding that both countries share the same religion, culture and other social values.

He further expressed appreciation for what he called the warm welcome accorded their delegation by the Talibehs and the Gambian populace.

He thanked the Gambia government and President Yahya Jammeh in particular for making available the security escort and the guards placed in charge of the Halifa and his delegation.

Sheikh Ngum also prayed for the personal well-being of President Jammeh as well as the prosperity of his government and the nation.

In his welcoming remarks, the Chief of Lower Nuimi, Alhagie Tabora Manneh, said the visit of the Halifa-General and the warm reception accorded him were clear manifestations that the two governments and peoples have a lot in common. He thanked the indigenes for the warm reception accorded to the Halifa.

Alh. Mam Saliou Jobarteh, the host of Serign Abdou Fattah, expressed delight over the visit of the Halifa and for being his host. He said the Halifa’s visit to The Gambia, his first to the country, was “very timely as the nation needs prayers” for the successful conduct of the National Assembly election due on January 25th 2007.