Fatoumata: Where was the outcry and fervor from social media activists when Dr. Borro Suso and Dr. Gumbo Ali Touray were dismissed and taken to court by the University of The Gambia? Did the two former senior university staff members resort to playing the victim and influencing the court of public opinion?
Alagi Yorro Jallow.
Gambians should refrain from resorting to the court of public opinion and media trials for those in legal disputes or who have been dismissed from their positions. If one is wrongfully terminated and believes it to be unlawful, pursuing legal redress is preferable to seeking sympathy or playing the victim by posting dismissal letters on social media. Support from social media activists is not a substitute for legal action. Activists must remain steadfast, consistent, and principled, with a firm belief in their causes, rather than being fleeting in their advocacy.
During Yahya Jammeh’s tenure, two notable University of The Gambia staff members were dismissed, and the issue was brought before a court of law rather than the court of public opinion. Why then is the recent termination of these two lecturers causing such a stir and elevating them to the status of heroes? Why have our self-proclaimed activists protested in support of the former University of The Gambia lecturers, specifically the late Dr. Borro Suso and Dr. Gumbo Ali Touray?
In 2009, Dr. Borro Suso, serving as a senior lecturer and the head of the Faculty for Humanities and Social Science at the University of The Gambia, faced dismissal on political grounds. A notable member of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Dr. Suso was recognized for his national discourse contributions. His removal was perceived as a politically charged action, linked to his ties with the opposition party.
Dr. Gumbo Ali Touray, the University of The Gambia’s ex-Director of International Affairs, faced accusations of providing false information to a public officer. He claimed the Vice Chancellor was nepotistically hiring relatives, a statement he knew to be untrue. The case garnered extensive media attention, and following a protracted trial, Dr. Touray was exonerated and released by the Banjul Magistrates’ Court.
These incidents underscore the intricate relationship between academia and politics in The Gambia, mirroring wider concerns about freedom of speech and the political encroachment on educational bodies.
Activism is not a profession but a natural response to injustice and unfair practices within a system, and should not be treated as a professional activity. During Yahya Jammeh’s tyrannical regime, we did not choose to become “commentators” or “activists”; we were compelled to fight for our basic right to exist as decent human beings. I have always maintained that activism is not a career but an instinctive reaction to a malfunctioning system. We are the beneficiaries of previous activism. The freedoms we often take for granted were secured at a high cost; some paid with their lives, while others endured harsh opposition to shape our society. It is not perfect, but it would be much worse without their sacrifices. Civilizations are meant to evolve, which is why we persist in our efforts for a more logical world.
No one is born an activist; it is not a job but a natural reaction to a flawed system. Unless you are among the oppressive elite, living in an imperfect nation naturally entails activism, assuming you are aware of your rights. Being an activist does not entitle one to bully, hate, or dehumanize others. Rather, activism should be dedicated to just causes, tackling issues without the desire for recognition or personal advantage.
Activism is a vocation. To be an activist, one must be steadfast, unwavering, principled, and possess a deep-seated conviction to combat injustice for all. Activists cannot afford to be timid and must be prepared to face imprisonment to stand up for what they believe is right. However, activism should not be confined to social media or armchair strategies that exploit the very democracy they aim to protect. True activists engage directly in the field.
Fatoumatta: Why didn’t the vocal Facebook activists who are defending the recently dismissed lecturers at the University of The Gambia express their indignation when Gumbo Touray and Borro Suso were let go?
