Introduction:
Part VI
Fatoumatta: Over the past 60 years, The Gambia has grappled with a profound democratic deficit, having endured only three presidents since its independence in 1965. In stark contrast, the United States has witnessed the leadership of ten presidents in the same timeframe. This disparity underscores a serious failure to ensure peaceful transfers of power and a troubling pattern of political entrenchment in The Gambia. As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. profoundly stated, “A man can’t ride your back unless it is bent.” The weight of this situation rests not only on our leaders but on the shoulders of the people as well.
After nearly six decades, we must confront the uncomfortable question: Is this truly the best we can achieve? Are our leaders devoid of conscience and morality? And are our citizens indifferent to their responsibility? The ongoing political dominance and relentless quest for power by a select few reveal a disturbing absence of authentic leadership and a lack of vision for our collective future. Since our hard-fought independence in 1965, The Gambia’s political leadership has consistently failed to meet the aspirations of its people. With neither peaceful transitions of power nor presidential term limits in place, The Gambia has been limited to just three presidents, while the United States has seen ten leaders govern over the same period. This glaring disparity illustrates the depth of our democratic crisis. Dr. King’s assertion that “A man can’t ride your back unless it is bent” rings especially true: it is ultimately the public who permits this unacceptable status quo to continue. We cannot lay the blame solely at the feet of our politicians for their prolonged tenures; too often, the populace stands idly by, grumbling in the shadows of despair while refusing to illuminate a path forward. It is time for us to rise, light our own candles, and demand the change we so desperately need.
Fatoumatta: It is shocking that after sixty years of independence, the Gambian people have had to endure only three leaders. This tragedy is a damning indictment not only of our leaders but also of ourselves as citizens. Is this truly the pinnacle of our achievement after decades of self-governance? Do our leaders possess any sense of conscience or morality? And what of our people? Have we surrendered our integrity as well? We find ourselves surrounded by political leaders who feel an unwarranted entitlement to rule over the masses while they long for power. Do our leaders not recognize that their persistent dominance and relentless pursuit of political authority are indicative of their failures in genuine leadership? After all these years, the fact that none have taken the time to groom, mentor, or uplift others for the presidency should evoke immense shame. And what about our people? Are they not equally responsible for this stagnation? Consider that in the sixty years following The Gambia’s independence, the United States has experienced the leadership of at least ten presidents, yet we cling to the same tired and outmoded political figures. These individuals are so entrenched in their roles that they cannot break free from their political malaise. They have lost the passion, love, and altruistic vision they once boasted of, convinced that merely holding office equates to continuing relevance and effectiveness.
If I didn’t know better, I would argue that Yahya Jammeh, The Gambia’s second president, campaigned with the hollow promise of limiting the presidency to two terms, only to abandon that commitment entirely. He overstayed his welcome for a staggering twenty-two years, while his predecessor clung to power for an astonishing thirty years before finally being overthrown. Now, the Gambian people find themselves at a crucial crossroads: President Barrow appears ready to emulate the troubling legacies of Jawara and Jammeh. Having been in power since 2017 and currently serving his second five-year term, Barrow is now making a bid for a third term in 2026. He aims to achieve as much as his predecessors as a sit-tight president, exploiting the lack of a term limit in the 1997 constitution—a constitution approved by the military that fails to impose any restrictions. This blatant disregard for his transitional mandate, which was meant to facilitate a genuine democratic transition, signals a worrying trend that could lead us down the same perilous path as before.
Fatoumatta: Alarmingly, early signs suggest that President Barrow may be succumbing to the same toxic allure of longevity as his predecessors. Have we no brighter minds among us? Recall the frustrated cry of Cassius in Julius Caesar to Brutus: “Why has Rome space for only one man?” Or, in our case, maybe just two. My tone is not one of bitterness but unwavering patriotism. Where are our visionaries? Where are our revolutionaries ready to reshape our path? If we cannot identify them, not only have our academic and vocational systems failed us, but our political mentorship—if it even exists—has collapsed entirely. Brilliant, visionary political leaders are being chased from the arena, while those who remain are often lured into the web of patronage instead of driven by a sense of national duty. What an utter disgrace!
It seems there exists a genetic claim to the presidency, albeit one that results in a fresh face for leadership. If that possibility disturbs the masses, we must ask ourselves: how can we tolerate the continuation of this shameful hereditary system of political entitlement that presently cripples our nation?
It is a profound shame for us as a people. Have we truly cultivated a political culture of “die-in-office” in our country? Is there truly no one among us who embodies vision, passion, devotion, leadership qualities, and expertise beyond those who have already held office? The oppressor will not relinquish power willingly; it is the duty of the oppressed to rise. The words of Cassius to Brutus echo across time and throughout our islands: “Caesar would not be a wolf except that we are but sheep.” Our political leaders have transformed into wolves, empowered by the apathy and complacency of the very people they are meant to serve. These leaders have been anointed as wolves, even by those in religious circles who have prioritized partisan politics over the advancement of our nation. A pervasive aura of shame is deeply rooted in both the Gambian populace and our politicians, leaving them largely oblivious to its existence.
Fatoumatta: This mindset elevates individuals above the nation itself, creating the illusion that a nation’s existence hinges solely on its people. It is nothing short of disgraceful to allow any president to remain in power for more than two five-year terms. Our political leaders should hang their heads in shame for failing to mentor the next generation—sons and daughters of our land—who could lead us into a brighter future. The potential for transformative leadership exists now, in this new Gambia, because part of the hard-fought political agenda is to ensure that we no longer experience a leadership vacuum. This is our reality as we stand on the brink of 60. But do we have hope? What is our path forward? We believe that the challenges facing The Gambia cannot be resolved with superficial calls for unity and one destiny.
What we need is a peaceful Gambia, a nation that rejects the scourge of war. A peaceful Gambia rooted in the determination to create an ideal state with a robust system that serves all its citizens. A nation poised to grant the Gambian people a fresh start toward genuine good governance and sustainable development. We must rise to effectuate the change we earnestly seek, breaking away from the old order through a national rebirth. The Gambia does not belong to any single individual. As we celebrate the Gambia’s 60th anniversary, we urgently implore President Adama Barrow—unlike his predecessors—to take decisive steps to alleviate the suffering of our citizens, particularly the youth and women. This is not the transformative change they envisioned.
The current state of affairs is undeniably troubling and risks inciting the populace to take action. The gravest political error any leader can make is to believe they can maintain control over a populace that is increasingly disillusioned and running out of patience. The Gambia must fulfill the people’s demand for a new order by solidifying and enhancing our democracy. It is imperative to nourish our burgeoning democracy and to strive for the socio-economic and infrastructural aspirations of the Gambian people. As Lyndon Johnson aptly stated, “yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose.” We must accept this responsibility, move forward with resolve, and grant the Gambian people a new Third Republican constitution that embodies their hopes and dreams.
As we celebrate our milestone of 60 years as a nation, we find ourselves at an important crossroads full of potential and promise. The question on everyone’s mind is whether we have hope for the future and how we can chart a positive path forward. In our view, the challenges facing The Gambia cannot simply be addressed by united ideals alone; we must strive for a genuine and peaceful Gambia—one that is built on the foundations of harmony and the collective determination to establish a thriving, progressive nation that benefits everyone. Imagine The Gambia as a place where good governance and development are more than just aspirations—they’re tangible realities that empower every Gambian. We have an incredible opportunity for national rebirth, prompting us to embrace change and work together towards the brighter future we envision.
After all, the essence of The Gambia belongs to all its people, not to any single individual. As we mark this significant 60th anniversary, we respectfully urge President Adama Barrow to lead with caution and compassion, especially regarding the difficulties faced by our youth and women. Their hopes for change must not go unheeded. It’s clear that the current challenges we face are not only frustrating but could inspire a passionate response from the people if not addressed with sincerity and care. A misstep by any leader is underestimating the sentiment of the populace, especially those who are growing ever more eager for change. The time is now for The Gambia to realize its people’s ambitions for a new era—an era that nurtures and strengthens our democracy. By focusing on enhancing the socio-economic conditions and infrastructure that are vital for our people, we can create an uplifting environment for all.
Fatoumatta: As Lyndon Johnson wisely said, “yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose.” We must embrace this truth, allowing it to guide us into the future as we strive for a new Third Republican constitution that represents all Gambians. In conclusion, as we celebrate the 60th year of The Gambia, we stand at a pivotal moment filled with opportunities. The energy among our people is palpable, and together we can turn the tide toward positive change. Rather than focusing on past grievances, let us look to the horizon with optimism and ambition. It is essential that our leaders begin to mentor and nurture a new generation of visionaries who can carry this country forward. The fruits of progressive leadership are ripe with possibility in our new Gambia. Together, let us embrace the change we passionately seek—a united community with a shared dream for a better tomorrow!
