Former Basse NAM Unveils Paris Festival Plans to Fund Multi-Purpose Center
Former Basse NAM, Muhamed Magassy
By Fatoumata Jaiteh
Former National Assembly Member for Basse Constituency and current Gambian Counsellor in Paris, Hon. Muhamed Magassy, has unveiled plans to organise a cultural fundraising festival in Paris aimed at mobilising resources to build a multi-purpose skills centre in the Upper River Region (URR). The former MP made this announcement at an iftar event held at his residence in Brikama Kabafita.
The proposed festival is expected to take place in Paris in July 2026 in the form of a fundraising gala dinner, utilising traditional dance, which will serve as the launchpad for a broader fundraising campaign intended to finance the construction of a multi-purpose skills training centre in Basse. Although the exact date for the event has not yet been announced, Magassy said preparations are already underway with partners and supporters in both The Gambia and France.
According to Magassy, the cultural festival will be organised by the Magassy Foundation for Relevant Easy Adult Literacy (MF-REAL) in collaboration with Kaira Consultancy, under the leadership of its Chief Executive Officer, Bakary Manneh.
Speaking during a side interview at the gathering, Magassy noted that the festival is designed to mobilise financial support from partners in Paris and within the Gambian diaspora who are willing to contribute to community development initiatives aligned with national priorities.
“The event is linked to a Paris programme in the form of fundraising to mobilise resources,” he said. “We believe we have partners in Paris who are very willing to contribute to implementing development initiatives that support the policies of their country and the development of communities in The Gambia.”
He added that by engaging partners and clearly presenting the project, supporters would be able to help mobilise the resources needed to establish the skills centre.
Cultural Competition at the Heart of the Festival
As part of the festival’s highlights, Magassy revealed plans to stage a cultural competition between two wards in Basse. The proposed date for the cultural dance competition and fundraising in the URR is set for April 2026.
The two wards form part of the wider Basse constituency, which Magassy represented in the National Assembly for two terms from 2017 to 2022.
He explained that women from the two wards will play a central role in the cultural contest, which will celebrate traditional practices and heritage.
“We thought that if we organise this cultural competition with the women of these two wards, the award of the competition will be dedicated to them in recognition of their role in safeguarding the traditional heritage of our country,” Magassy stated.
The event is also expected to feature a performance by a major musical artist, whose name will be announced once final arrangements are completed. The presence of a renowned artist, Magassy said, will help attract attention to the festival and increase fundraising opportunities.
According to organisers, the ultimate goal of the initiative is to address youth unemployment by equipping young people with practical skills that will enable them to earn sustainable livelihoods.
The proposed multi-purpose skills centre in Basse will provide training opportunities in various vocational areas, helping young people acquire marketable skills and create employment pathways.
He noted that such initiatives are essential in addressing the root causes of irregular migration, commonly referred to locally as the “back way”.
“This initiative will help youths come and learn skills so they can earn a living from them,” he said. “When young people have opportunities and something meaningful to do, they are less likely to risk their lives taking the back way.”
Magassy also reflected on the importance of continuing to serve one’s community even after leaving public office.
He said the experience, knowledge, and networks acquired while holding public responsibilities should be used to support community development long after a political mandate ends.
“Life is a continuous process,” he said. “Once you are entrusted with responsibilities, even when that period elapses, the experience, knowledge, and contacts you gathered while in office become tools for you to continue working for the community.”
Gathering of Religious and Community Leaders
The iftar gathering where the announcement was made brought together several prominent figures, including Imam Alhaiba Hydara, development consultant Bakary Manneh, and other religious leaders and community stakeholders.
With preparations for the Paris cultural festival underway, organisers hope the initiative will rally diaspora support and international partnerships capable of transforming the ambitious vision of a skills centre in Basse into reality.
