US Embassy Banjul Recast President Obama’s Speech to the Muslim World

Muslim leaders listening to President Obama's Speech to Muslims.

On Thursday 4 June, 2009, U.S Embassy in Banjul showed the recast of President Obama’s Speech to over 30 religious leaders, civil society members, and journalists at the embassy. The Immediate reaction of the audience was very positive and audience members were clapping and audibly agreeing through out the speech. The President of the Supreme Islamic Council commented that “it was not a only a speech, but a sermon, that will change the relationship America has with the entire world. “  Other Government officials and local Imams all commented on the “supremacy” of the speech.   All agreed that President Obama has high hopes and they pray that the points he made can be executed.  One journalist highlighted President Obama’s bravery to go to a Muslim school and deliver such a speech.  Other comments included the appreciation of the president’s reference to the Koran.

The speech demonstrated America’s commitment to engaging the Muslim world with new approaches based on mutual interest and mutual respect. The media coverage was very impressive, reaching over 600,000 Gambians.  Some of the newspapers published the entire speech verbatim and made editorial comments.