In a letter signed and addressed to Papa Demba Jobe, a Gambian national, the new Khalifa General of the Mouride sect, Alhagie Muhamadou Lamin Bara Mbacke, has renewed his confidence and mandate of Papa Demba Jobe as representative of the Khalifa General of Mourides in The Gambia, a position he has held since July 12th 1998.

Mr. Papa Demba Jobe succeeded his father, Alhagi Sheikh Jobe, who was the representative for about four decades.

When contacted by The Point on his views and reaction to the extension and the confidence thus reposed in him, Mr Jobe said he was overwhelmed by the trust and confidence shown in him.

He appealed to all mourides to follow the teachings of the Holy Quran, particularly with regard to the observance of the five pillars of Islam and the social desirables of helping and forgiving one another. He reiterated that followers of Islam must necessarily be diligent and committed in helping other Muslims, fostering relationships and unity among all peoples, in addition to respecting the laws of resident countries.

The cause of the Mouride brotherhood was actively promoted in The Gambia by his grandfather, Ebrima Njie, elder brother to Inspector S.B Njie, as well as Serign Modou Bao, Serign Sheikh Diop, Serign Diadie Nyass.

It will be recalled that President Jammeh sent an important delegation following the demise in Touba of the earstwhile Khalifa General, Serign Salieu Mbacke, last December. The delegation was led by Ismaila Sambou, Secretary of State for Local Government, Lands and Religious Affairs; Ousman Sonko, Secretary of State for Interior; Mr. Momodou Njie, Permanent Secretary at the State Department for Foreign Affairs and Mr. Alassan Jammeh, Permanent Secretary at the State Department for Religious Affairs.

Also among the delegation were Alhagie Cherno Kah, Imam Ratib of Banjul; Alhagie Banding Drammeh, President of the Supreme Islamic Council and Abdoulie Fatty, the Imam of State House mosque.
 
The new Khalifa prayed for peace, prosperity for the Gambia government and its people.

There are some 50 Mourides Dairas (groups) in The Gambia and a mosque in Bakau New Town serves to enforce their common identity.