In the history of humanity, 14 July 1789 was a period of political and social upheaval in the political history of France and Europe. It saw the French governmental structure, previously an absolute monarchy with feudal privileges for the aristocracy and catholic clergy, undergo radical change to form a base on the principles of democracy, citizenship, and inalienable rights.

On the occasion of the celebration of this fateful date in history, Francois Morel, French Charge -d’Affaires in The Gambia, conveyed last Saturday a reception at his residence, located in Cape-Point, Bakau. The event was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, French expatriates, and other dignitaries and invitees.

In his statement, the French Charge d’Affaires outlined the importance of 14 July 1789 and its universal repercussions. ‘‘Two hundred and eighteen years ago, a hungry crowd of humble men, women and children (invaded) the formidable walls of the Bastille fortress in Paris. With little more than their fists and a handful of guns, they defeated the finest soldiers of Europe, the Swiss mercenaries, who guarded the fortress,’’ he explained.

He added: “They expected to find bread inside the castle. Instead, they found and freed seven prisoners for debts, but started a chain of events which in a matter of few months would provoke the collapse of a thousand years old monarchy, whose proud descendant sincerely believed he was appointed by God. What happened on that particular day was to give a new face to Europe and thus to the rest of the world.’’

Re-echoing the French motto (Liberty-Equality-Fraternity), Francois Morel indicated that if ‘it is generally accepted today that all men should be free and equal’, one cannot say the ideas of fraternity are widely shared in our epoch. In other words, the storming of the Bastille deserves celebration in remembrance of all that occurred. It is not just a symbol of freedom, but a warning about the need to render the world more humanity.

Nothing is eternal

Against all odds, Francois Morel informed the gathering that in less than two months time he will have to leave The Gambia. “Nothing or nobody is eternal, things have to change, people have to move,’’ he hinted. According to him, Madam Danielle Robin will be the new French Charge d’Affaires in Banjul.  He went on to say that the newly appointed Charge d’Affaires will also have the ‘responsibility to implement various projects of cooperation in the sectoral rural development.’

As a philosophical person by nature, he concluded by expressing a great sense of humanity through Michel Perrin words: ‘‘ In order to get closer to the other, when he is so far away, one has to love his difference and admit that it will be forever indomitable.’’