By Dawda Baldeh
The leader of the opposition Gambia Action Party (GAP), Musa Ousainou Yali Batchilly, has called on the United States to show respect for Africa following intensified visa restrictions, insisting the continent is sovereign and must not yield to external pressures.
In a statement shared with The Fatu Network, Mr Batchilly criticised the recent additional visa limitations on African nations, including The Gambia, describing them as a sign of disrespect. He condemned the Trump administration for treating Africans “in a demeaning manner.”
“Africa is a sovereign continent composed of independent nations with rich histories, cultures, and leadership. Africans are not subservient to any nation or individual, and no country has the right to dictate our dignity, identity, or future,” he stated.
Mr Batchilly stressed that respect for Africa must extend to its people, institutions, and elected leaders, adding that the continent should never be viewed as a place of beggars. “Africa is abundant in human capital, natural resources, innovation, and opportunities. What Africa desires is partnership, not patronage; cooperation, not condescension,” he remarked.
The GAP leader acknowledged Africa’s longstanding relationship with the United States and America’s role in global development, but insisted this should not be used to undermine Africa. He noted that the US also benefits significantly from Africa through trade, investment, strategic partnerships, natural resources, and geopolitical collaboration. “This relationship is therefore reciprocal, not one-sided,” he stated.
Mr Batchilly further called for mutual respect between Africa, the US, and all global partners, based on equality, dignity, and shared interests.
“Development partnerships must be founded on dignity and sovereignty, not dependency. Africa is prepared to collaborate with America as a genuine partner in development, security, trade, and innovation—but only under terms that honor the African people and their leadership,” he said.
By Dawda Baldeh The leader of the opposition Gambia Action Party (GAP), Musa Ousainou Yali Batchilly, has called on the United States to show respect for Africa following intensified visa restrictions, insisting the continent is sovereign and must not yield to external pressures. In a statement shared with The Fatu Network, Mr Batchilly criticised the The Fatu Network
