Quran (49:11)
“O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them. And let not women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one’s] faith. And whoever does not repent – then it is those who are the wrongdoers.”
The Gambia and the War of Tongues’
Alagi Yorro Jallow.
“Indeed, a messenger from among yourselves said, ‘What an evil is the bartering of a soul for the life of this world! It is only the life of this world that is the vanity.’ The abode of the Hereafter – that is truly life, if they but knew.”(Quran 18:46)
This verse emphasizes the importance of valuing one’s soul and the consequences of using one’s tongue for harmful purposes. It serves as a reminder to use our words responsibly and to avoid engaging in harmful speech.
Fatoumatta: The Gambia stands at a critical juncture, facing a myriad of challenges that jeopardize its stability and progress. From rampant banditry and armed robbery to deep-seated tribalism and toxic political divisions, these issues erode the very foundation of our democracy. Deceptive populism and rampant misinformation thrive, particularly among former enablers and cronies of ex-president Yahya Jammeh, who are striving to rewrite history in their favor. These individuals, who previously supported a tyrannical regime, now attempt to pose as advocates for constitutionalism and good governance.
Amid this turmoil, a new and dangerous battleground has emerged—the war of tongues. This verbal conflict, which is more destructive than any physical confrontation, relentlessly targets our leadership and anyone who serves the nation. It threatens to fracture the fabric of Gambian society, leaving a path of division and chaos in its wake.
Fatoumatta: The myriad issues confronting our nation are significant. The Gambia grapples with continuous banditry, armed robbery, tribal strife, and divisive political rhetoric, rendering the landscape increasingly perilous. Fueled by a toxic combination of misinformation and personal grievances, many former supporters of Yahya Jammeh have turned to disinformation campaigns as a means of regaining power and relevance.
The war of tongues is not a new development; it is an ancient form of conflict as old as humanity itself. Yet, it stands as one of the most lethal forms of warfare—infinitely more harmful than terrorism, armed robbery, and murder combined. In The Gambia, this war is waged against our leaders and those committed to serving their country. No one, regardless of their dedication or integrity, is spared the relentless attacks that characterize this insidious campaign.
Fatoumatta: From President Adama Barrow to the most junior political appointee, no one escapes the harsh onslaught of this verbal assault. The battleground is populated by self-styled activists, disillusioned job seekers, and former supporters of Yahya Jammeh, including a former ambassador who lacks the moral standing to promote constitutionalism and good governance. Together, they converge on social media and other platforms, unleashing rhetoric that is devoid of grace or respect, spreading falsehoods, and nurturing deep-seated animosity.
It is vital to understand that President Barrow is constitutionally permitted to run for a third term, as the Gambian constitution does not impose term limits. His choice to refrain from contesting is a matter of personal ethics, not legal obligation. The relentless war of tongues and harmful populism must not only cease but also be replaced with constructive dialogue and critical engagement.
Regrettably, some Gambians fixate on bitterness and hatred on social media, neglecting pressing issues such as corruption, insecurity, and the rising cost of living. Instead of focusing their energies on these challenges, they engage in divisive discussions about the third term, distracting themselves from the real issues at hand. Meanwhile, former ambassadors of Jammeh exploit this discourse to convey their grievances over not receiving government positions.
All national institutions—the executive, legislature, judiciary, military, and police—have become unwitting targets in this war of tongues. Commentators from various media platforms often criticize everything and everyone, save for their own actions. They lament about President Barrow, who has been instrumental in restoring democracy, freedom of expression, and human rights—values trampled under Yahya Jammeh’s regime. Despite enjoying newfound freedoms, these critics often overlook the President’s tangible achievements.
Today, The Gambia is plagued by an overwhelming negativity that obscures the positive strides being made. While it is crucial to confront issues like poverty, violence, and insecurity, there are also commendable developments such as agricultural advancements, infrastructural growth, and sound governance practices. The Barrow administration is making significant strides in addressing insecurity, all while enduring the relentless war of tongues. We must remember that The Gambia is our only homeland; let us strive to uplift it through our words and actions.
Some clerics, particularly from Islamic communities, have taken to preaching messages of hate from the pulpit, spreading falsehoods and inciting hostility toward the government. Such animosity poses a real risk of igniting violence and civil unrest, ultimately leading to tragic losses of life. These purveyors of hate must recognize their moral responsibility and the far-reaching consequences of their rhetoric.
Our words possess immense power. When we speak ill of our nation and its leaders, we ultimately harm ourselves. It is a spiritual truth that we reap what we sow. In today’s Gambia, if there are no legitimate grievances, some will go so far as to manufacture them. While the war of tongues may linger unabated, we must acknowledge that it is a double-edged sword, causing damage to both the speaker and the target.
Fatoumatta: In light of these pressing challenges, it is imperative for Gambians to recognize the profound impact of their words on the nation’s future. The war of tongues, with its potential to sow discord and discord, must be confronted with urgent and constructive dialogue. Let us unite for The Gambia’s future, using our voices to foster understanding and progress rather than division.
It’s crucial for Gambians to harness the incredible power of their words and the significant role they play in shaping our nation’s future. While we face challenges, we can address the conflicts that arise from our discussions with urgency and positivity. Let’s celebrate the exciting progress in areas like the agricultural revolution, infrastructure improvement, and good governance! By fostering a spirit of unity and encouragement, we can come together to build a vibrant future for The Gambia—our beloved home. Remember, our words matter and can create a harmonious and prosperous nation. Together, we can rise above any divisions and make a lasting impact!
Fatoumatta: Let us heed the wisdom of Sahl bin Sa’d (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: “Whoever guarantees to safeguard what is between his jaws and what is between his legs, I shall guarantee him Jannah.” — Bukhari. Furthermore, let us remember the words of Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him), who relayed the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) message that a careless word can lead one to fall into the fire of Hell deeper than the distance between the east and the west. — Bukhari and Muslim. These teachings remind us of the powerful effects our words can have. Let us use our tongues to build, not to destroy, and to promote unity and positivity in The Gambia.
