Basse to Host 2014 SAFRA

The Gambia is billed to host this year a weeklong programme of friendship and integration, known as “SAFRA” after the sister Republic of Guinea Bissau’s bid to stage it, failed due to some constraints. It paved way for Basse in the Upper River Region to host it once again. This disclosure was made recently by officials in Guinea Bissau.

Speaking at a meeting held at the Governor’s Office in Gabou, Guinea Bissau, the president of SAFRA Bureau, Mamma Manneh, affirmed that the nation was unable to host the event as a result of unforeseen circumstances “Since the inception of SAFRA, Guinea Bissau has never failed to attend the event or failed to host it. But this year, we are heading to the polls and we want to concentrate more on that,” he explained. She added that given the transitional period for the government, coupled with other challenges, it is impossible for them to receive support from their authorities to stage the event.

 “Our aims and objectives are to participate in the development crusade of our nation as well as the integration of Africa. Thus, The Gambia’s hosting of the event is a step in the right direction and we will give all our support and encouragement,” he assured.

Manneh further dwelled on the importance of SAFRA and underscored its immense potential to the sub-regional integration process of ECOWAS.

The Governor of URR, Omar Sampo Ceesay, also expounded on the importance of SAFRA and urged the stakeholders involved in its organisation to remain committed to the cause. Given that the government under the leadership of President Jammeh has placed high premium on African integration as well as peace and stability, Governor Ceesay assured that his region is prepared to host the event.

The vice president of SAFRA Bureau, Pa Amadou Susso, urged the participating countries to take up the initiative with utmost seriousness, given that it is geared towards complementing the efforts of ECOWAS in the area of integration.

He underscored that the event has over the years brought about mammoth developments; ranging from peace and stability to the consolidation of relations between the sister nations that participate in it. “It is going to be very difficult for a country in a transition to host SAFRA as a lot of financial implications are involved,” he admitted.