By Arfang M.S. Camara
The government of the Gambia has waived restrictions on congressional prayers at houses of worship after ten-weeks of lockdowns that followed the Coronavirus pandemic.
On Friday, Muslims observed the Friday congregational prayers at mosques across the country, whereas the Christians are expected to resume their worship or service at churches this Sunday.
President Adama Barrow made the declaration on Wednesday, relaxing some of the Covid-19 public health emergency restrictions including the reopening of all mosques, churches, schools for Grade 9 and 12, markets amongst others listed on the current State of Public Emergency regulations.
The decision came about as a result of consultations with the President’s Special Cabinet Sub-Committee on Covid-19 pandemic and advice by Health Experts’ Committee of the Ministry of Health.
Some Muslim and Christian religious leaders have expressed delight at the announcement.
Imam Baba Leigh of Kanifing Mosque, after leading the congregational prayer on Friday, said he welcomed the decision: “I opened my Mosque today and led the Friday prayers,” he sounded.
He said he was expecting such an announcement to have come from the Health Ministry. Nonetheless, he welcomed the announcement made by the government’s spokesperson.
Meanwhile the Christians are also expected to observe their prayers in churches on Sunday. The Gambia Methodist Church has already informed their followers about the reopening of their houses of worship to begin on Sunday.