A two-day convergence tackles the challenges that Fulani herdsmen face. The meeting, hosted by Tabital Pulaaku Gambia, discussed critical issues affecting Fulani herdsmen in the region. Participants examined such challenges as preserving the Fulani language and culture, strengthening community structures, and improving the livelihoods of Fulani communities.
Mr. Abdullah Barry, the Deputy Secretary-General of Tabital Pulaaku International, a Sierra Leonean national, thanked Tabital Pulaaku Gambia for the event. He highlighted the need to discuss community developments and preserve Fulani identity.
“In many countries, native languages are going extinct, and this makes the Fulani people a people that no one knows, so this is one of the things that we discussed,” Barry explained. He also cited water and pasture scarcity as serious hindrances to cattle herders.
“Our nomadic way of life necessitates crisscrossing the terrain from one place to the next in search of water and pasture for our animals, thus depriving our women and children of stable homes—they cannot give their educational and health needs address—as well as national and identity problems arising from the constant moves across national boundaries,” Barry added.
Alhaji Seedy Dem, president of Tabital Pulaaku Gambia, and his executive members expressed appreciation for the event’s success. They reaffirmed President Adama Barrow’s support for efforts to unify all Fulani communities under one umbrella.
The vice president of the association, Muhammad M. Diallo, described the event as a truly significant occasion. “It has been an amazing weekend bringing together the Fulani from Mali, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Sierra Leone and beyond to exchange ideas in discussing the ways to achieve the goals of Tabital Pulaaku,” he said.
In his address, guest speaker Dr. Abduba made strong remarks about strengthening unity and standing together to preserve Fulani culture and to tackle community issues. The participants felt in tune with his remarks and called for collective action to better the lives of the Fulani herdsmen.
Central River Region (CRR) Governor Ousman Bah and Chief Perrie Bah of Niani District made notes of appreciation to Tabital Pulaaku for preferring CRR, particularly Wasu, as the venue for the event. They appreciated participants for the display of cultural-dressing and performances in showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Fulani.
At the same event, there was a presentation of certificates to international delegates for their work in the promotion of the Fulani language and culture. A gift was presented by Muhammad Abdullah Diallo, President of Livestock Owners in Mali, to Alhaji Seedy Dem as a token of unity and collaboration among Fulani communities across borders.
The discussions and messages expressed during the meeting will undoubtedly give rise to activities that directly improve the well-being and quality of life of Fulani communities across Africa and beyond. In addressing critical issues such as language preservation, resource accessibility, and community development, Tabital Pulaaku seeks to empower Fulani herdsmen and assist in the sustainability of their way of life.
