Why is Momodou Sabally considered one of the most disliked figures among the young in Gambia? ‘Respecting freedom of belief and association in a democracy is a fundamental human right.’ Academic excellence, intelligence, good moral character, and wisdom are all valuable traits. However, schools primarily emphasize academic excellence. Despite this, I am not aware of any university that has a faculty specifically dedicated to teaching good moral character, wisdom, or intelligence.
Alagi Yorro Jallow.
Fatoumatta: I do not personally know Momodou Sabally, nor have I ever interacted with him on social media. However, I recall meeting him once, around 2002 or 2003, when he was employed at the Central Bank of The Gambia. He and his then-wife, Mariama Khan—a prolific writer and a brilliant poet—visited my independent office to submit her collection of poems for publication in our paper. That was the only time I ever interacted with him, as I tended to keep my distance from Yahya Jammeh’s “boy.”
Although Momodou Sabally and I are not Facebook friends, I frequently read and watch his contributions on social media platforms. I cannot harbor hatred towards an individual, and I am reminded of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s profound truth that hate is too great a burden to bear. Hate drags and weighs down individuals. Hating others comes with a cost that burdens both oneself and those around.
Martin Luther King, Jr. opted to love even those who despised him. Choosing love doesn’t validate another’s hatred. To choose love is to refuse to be weighed down by the negative impacts of hate. Moreover, I hold great respect for the young, bright, and intelligent individuals who, despite opportunities abroad, choose to stay and contribute to national development and nation-building.
It appears that Sabally is undergoing a crisis similar to mine, as inferred from his writings and utterances. We both advocate for the preservation of indigenous youth and the empowerment of women’s identities through literature. He is outspoken and critical, becoming progressively disturbed by the uncritical acceptance of youth values and lifestyles in The Gambia and across Africa. Despite the geographical distance, I have kept track of his efforts, particularly as it became clear that he was deeply affected by criticism and opposition. He is like the proverbial round peg in the square holes of static systems.
Few things are as disheartening as witnessing the animosity aimed at a young, promising individual who has yet to fulfill his potential. The relentless attacks and criticism directed at Momodou Sabally deeply trouble me, as he stands out as one of the brightest and most intelligent among his contemporaries. Writing this commentary is challenging because my knowledge of his journey in public service and literary acumen, particularly in recent years, is limited. However, even from a distance, the vitriol from his detractors and critics cuts deep for several reasons, the foremost being that our paths have crossed significantly. I have yet to encounter any of his critics who surpass his qualifications in public policy or his intellectual brilliance.
Fatoumatta: Cultivating a culture of constructive criticism is essential for the growth of a democracy. Rather than viewing critics as simple naysayers, it’s important to listen to the rational voices and disregard those who engage in personal attacks. It is a basic right of every citizen, as enshrined in the constitution, to hold their government accountable for its actions. Viewing politicians and policymakers as beyond reproach and exempt from examination can result in long-term issues. History has consistently demonstrated that echo chambers are a substantial threat to any leadership.
The selection of Momodou Sabally by President Adama Barrow’s administration, mirroring public sentiment, highlights the significance of critique and the integration of youth in governmental positions to impartially mirror government activities. Cultivating a culture of constructive feedback necessitates recognizing citizens as the employers of the government. Such a culture thrives when those in authority or advising decision-makers avoid viewing the public with disdain or as adversaries to their higher-ups. Strong democracies are born from the exercise of constructive criticism.
Fatoumatta: I have perused various commentaries on Momodou Sabally’s situation following his shift in allegiance from the opposition UDP to the government of President Adama Barrow. The commentaries vary from chauvinistic and absurd to balanced. It seems a typical Gambian may react and type faster than they reflect, often echoing others’ opinions. However, I don’t fault them, as the education system in Gambia tends to produce conformists, dampening intuition and fostering a materialistic mindset; a belief system cleverly crafted to endow its adherents with an intellectual nimbleness aimed solely at navigating the modern sociopolitical landscape. These commentators boldly disseminate the outdated notions they absorbed in college. Lacking their own critical thinking filters, they struggle to distinguish between intellectualized fallacies dressed in eloquent Latin and the truth. While these ideas are fading in their countries of origin, in Gambia, they thrive, supported by certain elitists who use them to justify the ongoing subjugation of others.
Fatoumatta: In The Gambia’s dynamic political scene, respecting individual freedoms of belief, association, and the right to support any political figure is essential. Momodou Sabally’s journey exemplifies the hurdles encountered in Gambian politics. As a well-educated young professional, Sabally held various important roles in Yahya Jammeh’s government. His commitment and skill secured him prominent positions. Subsequently, Sabally became a member of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), rising swiftly to become a key youth representative and ultimately the campaign manager.
Fatoumatta: Momodou Sabally’s appointment as an adviser to the President within the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) has sparked controversy and criticism. However, it’s important to recognize that someone who has served two administrations, maintained close contact with presidents, and held significant positions warrants respect rather than scorn. Humans, especially the youth, may make less-than-ideal choices, but the freedom to choose one’s political affiliation should be respected. In The Gambia, there is no one more qualified than Momodou Sabally among the young individuals in government or opposition. He is a distinguished writer, economist, and statistician, having served as Secretary General and Head of the Civil Service, Minister of Presidential Affairs, and in various roles within the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, as well as Secretary to the Tax Commission.
The hostility and bitterness aimed at individuals for their political preferences erode the foundational values of democracy and liberty that are essential to our society. In a democracy, it is imperative that each person has the freedom to support any political figure without the threat of backlash or disdain.
It is also important to acknowledge that political allegiance can be fluid. Individuals may change their political affiliations based on evolving beliefs, experiences, and circumstances. This flexibility is a hallmark of a healthy democracy, where diverse perspectives and dynamic political engagement are encouraged.
Fatoumatta: President Lyndon Johnson once told a young Bill Moyers in the 1960s, “If you can convince the lowest white man he’s better than the best colored man, he won’t notice you’re picking his pocket. Hell, give him somebody to look down on, and he’ll empty his pockets for you.”
Unbeknownst to him, President Johnson had accurately discerned humanity’s most profound vulnerability. The yearning to feel superior, greater, and more distinguished has been ingrained in humans since ancient times and is currently under closer examination by thoughtful individuals. It is not just Americans and whites who are prone to this vanity; it is a human trait. Wherever you go, you will find nuanced forms of chauvinism. Societies across the globe concoct theories to justify their fanciful beliefs in their own supremacy, and this is particularly evident in the Gambian politics.
Fatoumata: A perceptive person may observe that the average 21st-century individual is preoccupied with titles and other superficial indicators of status. They pursue education solely to acquire a diploma, a symbol of their scholarly efforts. They ascend the academic ranks to attain the coveted PhD. This reflects a capitalist society that has transformed the individual into a marketable entity, categorized by the type of service they are suited for. To preserve hierarchy, it has created strata of service, enabling each individual to feel a sense of superiority over others, granting them the mirage of power and control. They compete against each other, subtly sabotaging their colleagues while outwardly displaying a veneer of friendship – a collective of subordinate primates who remain within the confines, simply because they are oblivious to its presence.
In “Betrayal in the City,” Francis Imbuga asserts, “When the madness of an entire nation disturbs a solitary mind, it is not enough to say a man is mad.” A man with the independence of thought, brilliance, reflectiveness, thoughtfulness, and assertive freedom like Momodou Sabally may seem peculiar to the average person; he, akin to Friedrich Nietzsche, embraced solitude and discovered comfort solely in his visions of an Africa liberated from the shackles of its critics.
Over time, Momodou Sabally has the potential to become a contemporary Frantz Fanon, with his expressed intent to write for liberation. Currently an adviser to the president, it is hoped that he will play a pivotal role in advancing the liberation of The Gambia and the wider continent. Hostility towards individuals like Sabally due to their political choices is at odds with the principles of democracy and freedom that are held dear. In a true democracy, the freedom to support any political figure without fear of retribution is fundamental. It is also essential to acknowledge that political allegiances may evolve with new convictions, experiences, and circumstances, mirroring the evolving nature of a vibrant democracy that appreciates diverse perspectives and encourages active political engagement.
Fatoumatta: In conclusion, it is crucial for Gambians to maintain the values of respect, tolerance, and freedom of association. These ideals are fundamental in fostering a political environment that values diverse perspectives and encourages constructive dialogue. It is important to respect the choices of individuals like Momodou Sabally and focus our energies on developing an inclusive and democratic society.
