Alagi Yorro Jallow.
Fatoumatta: The recent actions of the Gambian opposition, particularly their support for Pastef leader Prime Minister Ousman Sonko as a mentor, role model, savior, or a figure akin to a messiah or Moses for regime change in The Gambia, raise important questions about their understanding of international diplomacy and political protocols. When a foreign government official visits a country, their main purpose is to engage in official meetings with the host government, not to meet with opposition parties. This fundamental principle of public diplomacy and international relations appears to be overlooked by some of our populist politicians
Prime Minister Ousman Sonko should recognize that he is no longer an opposition figure, but rather a government official as the Prime Minister of Senegal. He should refrain from interfering in Gambian politics or acting as a double button between the government and the opposition. When he visits The Gambia, his role is to collaborate with the host government, not to engage in political hypocrisy by assuming a dual role.
It is not surprising to witness the lack of political maturity among leaders in Gambia. Even some members of both the government and the upper echelons of the NPP party often act as sycophants, praising Prime Minister Ousman Sonko and frequently showcasing him on Facebook with adulation and admiration. The Gambian media has been influenced by the political populism surrounding Sonko. This situation highlights the lack of political ingenuity and maturity among the emerging politicians in Gambia
The level of mediocrity and inexperience displayed by these politicians is not surprising. Standard protocols dictate that government officials collaborate with their counterparts in other governments rather than with opposition parties. While foreign governments may covertly support opposition movements that align with their ideological interests, such support is rarely overt. A notable example of this breach of protocol is the case of Pastef and the opposition UDP in The Gambia.
Fatoumatta: Why would the opposition welcome Prime Minister Ousman Sonko during his official government-to-government visit? This action either reflects a lack of understanding of diplomatic protocols or is a deliberate attempt to mock the government. It is essential to recognize that such behavior undermines the credibility of the opposition and highlights their lack of diplomatic expertise.
In international relations, it is crucial to maintain a clear distinction between the roles of government and opposition. Governments engage with each other to foster bilateral relations, negotiate treaties, and address mutual concerns. In contrast, opposition parties play a vital role in holding the government accountable and presenting alternative policies. Blurring these lines not only confuses the public but also weakens the position of the opposition.
The Gambian opposition must understand that winning the hearts and minds of the people requires more than just populist rhetoric and symbolic gestures. It demands a deep commitment to addressing the needs and aspirations of the populace, building trust, and demonstrating competence in governance. Embracing foreign mentors while disregarding diplomatic protocols only serves to highlight their inadequacies.
Fatoumatta: In conclusion, the Gambian government and opposition must rise above local politics and foster a genuine understanding of international diplomacy and political protocols. They should put an end to political theatrics. The opposition should concentrate on building a credible and competent alternative to the current government, rather than relying on foreign influences and populist tactics. Additionally, the Gambian government needs to understand the protocols of public diplomacy and the responsibilities that come with hosting a visiting head of state. Only by doing so can they truly serve the interests of the Gambian people and contribute to the nation’s democratic progress.
