Fatoumatta: Adama Barrow might not inherently be a dictator, yet his unrestrained speeches, unguarded tongue and lack of prudent advisors and handlers could pose a threat to national security.
Alagi Yorro Jallow.
Fatoumatta: The office of the President carries significant responsibility and is held to high standards. The President’s actions and statements should reflect the dignity and integrity of the position. The oath of office, as enshrined in the Gambian Constitution, binds the President to faithfully execute the office and to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution.
The President’s role includes setting the policy agenda, lobbying the National Assembly to pass laws, and serving as the head of their political party. Historical precedents and constitutional design also ensure that Presidents are accountable for their actions and can be held responsible for any legal violations. It is a role that demands a balance of power and accountability, where every action and statement of the President is weighed against the backdrop of national and international importance.
It is evident that President Adama Barrow does not always consider his words carefully before speaking. If he does filter them, he seems to lack a full understanding of their connotative and denotative meanings. Words carry meanings and consequences and can be interpreted both literally and metaphorically. There have been multiple instances where the President’s team has accused the public of misinterpreting, misunderstanding, or misconstruing his statements. At times, they argue that the president’s words were taken out of context or manipulated for political ends. I empathize with the President’s aides who occasionally have to clean up after such incidents to maintain the President’s image.
The recent vilification of opposition leader Ousainou Darboe, where President Barrow stated he would only relinquish power upon Darboe’s death, is the latest in a series of such blunders. The President made these remarks to a gathering of supporters in Brikama, describing the event as a unique and historic opportunity to promote and celebrate democracy before a large audience. He was responding to a statement when he reportedly mocked Ousainou Darboe
Fatoumatta: The presidency requires a high level of responsibility, demanding dignity and decorum from its incumbents. It was troubling to see a video on social media where President Adama Barrow seemed to make disrespectful and inappropriate remarks towards a senior citizen and an opposition leader. President Barrow must demonstrate greater restraint during his political engagements and speeches, avoiding being swayed by the crowd’s emotions. His statement suggesting that he would relinquish power only upon the death of Ousainou Darboe is highly inappropriate for a President, and such a remark should be retracted.
The backlash has sparked widespread criticism across mainstream and social media. Despite the silent majority’s numerical significance, President Barrow’s comments remain improper for the President and first citizen of The Gambia. However, there is no need for such meticulous semantic debate over the issue.
Fatoumatta: The plain truth is that President Barrow should have refrained from making the comments he did about a senior citizen and an opposition leader, who is also his estranged godfather, particularly at an event meant to highlight our nation’s finest qualities to potential voters, both young and old. Such behavior is unprecedented for a president, with the exception of former President Yahya Jammeh and now Adama Barrow. He seems to have a tendency to belittle his elders and political adversaries, seemingly unaware of the full consequences. His remarks only serve to reinforce the negative stereotypes propagated by certain political demagogues and sycophants, amplified by biased social media. While it’s true that Gambia has experienced issues with political thuggery and public insults, these offenders represent an extremely small fraction of the Gambian populace. These types of individuals exist in every country, so Gambia is certainly not the global hub of hate speech. Nor are its politicians the least productive or educated. They simply are not.
The president’s role, no matter where they are in the country, is to promote governance and project a positive image, not to exacerbate the negative narratives that exist about political demagogues. Presidents, as the nation’s foremost citizens, must be measured in their statements and speeches at all times, setting an example of leadership. The office of the president is sacred, and its occupants must embody the highest moral rectitude and character in both action and words. For example, when the U.S. President, the holder of the world’s most coveted office in 2016, referred to Africa as a “shithole” continent, there was widespread indignation against the American leader. Our outrage was not solely because our governments are devoid of flawed policies or practices. It stemmed from the belief that a foreign leader, from an imperfect country, had no right to disparage us. It was also because we are aware of the many positive stories of Africa excelling in medicine, education, entrepreneurship, and information technology, which were evidently ignored.
Fatoumatta: President Adama Barrow currently leads The Gambia. Upon assuming office, he inherited an imperfect nation, and his duty is to strive for its improvement. His role encompasses addressing pre-existing issues and new challenges that have emerged during his tenure. While he may articulate the obstacles encountered, attributing blame for mishaps is unproductive. Recently, he faced criticism for attempting to deflect responsibility for his administration’s mishandling of rampant public sector corruption instigated by malefactors within the country.
The President’s frequent controversial remarks suggest a fundamental problem. This could indicate either a lack of proper management of his public statements or a disregard for counsel. Neither scenario bodes well for the nation. Typically, before interviews, public appearances, or speeches, the President should engage in thorough briefings with his advisors. These advisors are expected to anticipate questions and provide critical feedback to refine his responses for optimal public reception. However, it’s conceivable that internal dynamics prevent his advisors from gaining the necessary access to guide President Barrow effectively, particularly in his public communications.
Fatoumatta: Whenever the President misspeaks and his team scrambles to correct his speech post-delivery, I empathize with them. My sympathy deepens when they scour the streets and alleys to understand the critics’ motives. I feel for them because they undertake a challenging task, knowing well that most critics do not covet the President’s position. They are merely concerned that his unfiltered remarks may tarnish the nation’s image more than reality warrants.
