A photograph posted online recently alleged that Sidia Jatta was dosing during a Team Gambia press conference. The image circulated on social media platforms, sparking public discussion regarding the conduct of the political figure during the official event held in Gambia. Halifa Sallah addressed the criticism surrounding the photograph, which depicted Sidia Jatta with his eyes closed while seated among other participants. Supporters and critics debated the context of the image, questioning whether the subject had fallen asleep or was simply listening intently. Foroyaa has monitored the online discourse as users shared the photograph across various digital channels. The incident remains a point of contention among observers tracking the activities of Team Gambia representatives.
Exhaustion Behind Political Mobilization
Halifa Sallah and Sidia Jatta engaged in six months of consultation to mobilize Team Gambia. These sessions required significant physical and mental endurance, with some meetings lasting ten hours a day. The intensity of the preparatory work for Team Gambia necessitated a grueling schedule that demanded constant focus from the leadership. Because Halifa Sallah and Sidia Jatta spent six months of consultation to mobilize Team Gambia, the toll of such a commitment became a central point in the defense offered by the leadership. The consultation sessions for Team Gambia sometimes lasted ten hours a day, leaving little room for rest during the period of intense political organization.
Addressing the public reaction to the photograph, Halifa Sallah stated, "The message is clear. The media house which apologized tried to drown the message but could not and now the same type of warrior journalists, who are on the wrong side of history, are trying to drown the message by pictures to caricature both of us."
Halifa Sallah asserted that the political movement made a definitive decision forty years ago to work until they achieve their objectives or reach the end of their lives. Halifa Sallah claims their political movement made a choice forty years ago to work until they succeed or die. Regarding this long-term commitment, Halifa Sallah said, "We had made our choice forty years ago to work, day and night, until we succeed or visit the grave or look like walking skeletons without turning back, to do our utmost to hand over Gambia to the people and give the country a new start with clean hands."
He emphasized the internal resolve of the leadership regarding their political activities despite external criticism. Halifa Sallah declared, "That if you cut my hands I will still hold on, if you cut my lips I will still speak out, if you cut my feet I will still march on, no turning back, no turning back." This declaration notes the firm stance held by the leadership as they continue their work for Team Gambia, disregarding the scrutiny focused on the photograph.
