The Chameleon Nature of Political Loyalty in The Gambia is such that when in government, individuals often become sycophants, demagogues, and court jesters, displaying extreme loyalty and patriotism. However, once out of government, they become harsh critics and display venomous opposition.
Alagi Yorro Jallow.
Fatoumatta: A principle is a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior or for a chain of reasoning. As for the notorious opportunist “Kakatarr,” also known as “Hamadi Masina, Mama Yero Pullo, the Town Crier,” whether he embodies character, loyalty, and principle in his DNA is a matter of interpretation based on his actions and reputation.
Karl Marx famously stated, “History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce,” while Mark Twain offered a different perspective, noting that history doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes. George Santayana provided a more eloquent version, saying, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” An African aphorism adds, sarcastically, that no matter how much you wash a goat, its smell lingers. During Yahya Jammeh’s despotic rule, individuals like Hamadi Masina, Mama Yero Pullo, and The Town Crier, who once acted dangerously towards Gambian dissidents, became even more toxic after falling out with the tyrant. He continued to use the same old playbook, serving President Barrow for nearly eight years without critique. Only after losing his job did Masina turn to social media to describe Adama Barrow as worse than Yahya Jammeh, exemplifying the ‘kakatarr’ syndrome.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines ‘principle’ as a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior or for a chain of reasoning.. Being principled means adhering to a set of moral or ethical standards. A principled person is guided by their beliefs and values, making decisions based on what they believe is right, regardless of personal gain or external pressure.
The Universe, our world, and life itself operate on fundamental principles. These principles are akin to natural laws. They govern human life and our interactions. Principles are constant, universal, self-evident, and timeless. It is not the principles that fail humans; rather, it is humans who may fail to adhere to principles. When individuals or groups stray from these core principles, life becomes disorienting and difficult. No person or group, regardless of power, can alter principles; one can only suffer consequences by going against them. For instance, gravity is a natural principle; what ascends must descend.
Similarly, density dictates that water cannot rest above oil. Human principles include justice, honesty, love, responsibility, opportunity, respect, choice, service, among others. Character is the sum of mental and moral qualities unique to an individual, encompassing values, ethics, and traits like honesty, integrity, and kindness. A person of strong character acts consistently with their moral values. Loyalty is being faithful and devoted to someone or something. It means standing by commitments and supporting friends, family, or organizations, especially during tough times. Loyalty entails trust, dependability, and steadfast support. Thus, a person of character is both principled and loyal, invariably exhibiting integrity and a firm commitment to their values and relationships.
Fatoumatta: In The Gambia, a troubling pattern emerges where individuals display staunch loyalty to the government and the President when in office, only to shift allegiances like chameleons upon losing their positions. This entitlement mentality is not just disheartening but also undermines the integrity of the political system. Once dismissed, these former loyalists often become bitter critics, disseminators of misinformation, and rumor mongers. While holding their positions, they may launch vehement attacks on dissenters and lavish praise on the government, acting as griots, demagogues, sycophants, and court jesters. However, once ousted, they readily adopt the role of critics and purveyors of so-called ‘alternative truths.’ This behavior prompts us to consider what lessons can be drawn from such a phenomenon.
Fatoumatta: A prominent example is a former associate and confidant of the tyrant Yahya Jammeh, who reaped the benefits that Yahya’s regime could bestow upon a friend and ally. Comparable to a chameleon, he was a proponent and enabler for the Gambian dictator. He was recognized for employing multiple pseudonyms on social media to counteract misinformation, fabricated news, and harsh criticism aimed at his former leaders and employers. Pseudonyms like “Hamadi Messina,” “Mama Yero Pullo,” and “the Town Crier” are noteworthy. After a fallout with President Yahya Jammeh and losing his esteemed position, he aligned with pro-democracy activists and assumed a prominent role in the Gambian fight to combat dictatorship and reinstate democracy, despite having been an accomplice in Yahya Jammeh’s oppressive regime. His fluency in multiple national languages and his skillful spin, coupled with his venomous attacks on individuals and governments, earned him a prominent place within the diaspora community where he was deeply involved in a significant struggle.
Fatoumatta: While serving under Jammeh, this individual prepared a list of diaspora dissidents to report to Immigration for deportation, mainly targeting undocumented dissidents. After being sacked, he became bitter and radicalized, shamelessly joining the struggle of those he had previously labeled unpatriotic.
After Yahya Jammeh was ousted, the new administration under Adama Barrow appointed a critic as recompense for his diatribes and harsh criticism of the former leader. Yet, upon losing his position once more, he returned to his previous tactics, using his social media platform to harshly criticize the Barrow government, even labeling it worse than Jammeh’s regime in multiple public communications in vernacular.
Such behavior seriously calls into question the character and integrity of these individuals. Betraying your former principal to gain a position at the top table hardly ensures a welcome with honor and trust intact. Once you’ve gained a reputation for betraying those who have supported you, no one will contemplate a lasting alliance with you.
It’s one matter to sever ties with former allies or patrons due to political differences; it’s quite another to demonize them for offenses that you once actively supported and from which you benefited. As a wise man once remarked, “May our loyalty never be tested just to satisfy our hunger.” Moreover, despite his various aliases such as “Hamadi Masina,” “Mama Yero Pullo,” and “The Town Crier,” his skill set is limited to rudimentary linguistics, lacking notable credentials, other than being a former confidant of the tyrant Yahya Jammeh, who, through nepotism, granted him lucrative positions.
Fatoumatta: The message is clear: political loyalty should not be conditional or self-interested. True loyalty is tested in difficult times, not just when it aligns with personal interests. Politicians and civil servants in Gambia must remain steadfast in their commitment to their principles and integrity, regardless of personal advantage. This commitment is the cornerstone of a political climate built on trust, honor, and genuine commitment to the nation’s welfare. Ultimately, a person of character exhibits principle and loyalty, consistently showing integrity and a firm adherence to their values and relationships. It is questioned whether Hamadi Masina, Yero Mama Pullo, and Town Crier embody character, loyalty, and principles.
