Alagi Yorro Jallow
Part IX
Fatoumatta: In George Orwell’s “Animal Farm,” the allegorical tale of a group of farm animals who overthrow their human farmer only to be subjected to an even more oppressive regime under the pigs, serves as a powerful critique of totalitarianism and the corrupting influence of power. This narrative resonates deeply with the political landscape of The Gambia, where in sixty years, the nation has seen only three presidents. This article draws parallels between the leadership dynamics in “Animal Farm” and the restrictive leadership in The Gambia, highlighting the unfulfilled promises, stagnation in development, and the exploitation of the people’s labor and loyalty. By examining the characters and themes of “Animal Farm,” we can gain insights into the importance of education, awareness, and the need for constitutional amendments to limit leadership terms, ultimately advocating for a more democratic and progressive future for The Gambia.
Restricted leadership was a legacy at Animal Farm. There were only three leaders after Old Major died: Napoleon, Mr. Jones, and Snowball. Despite the many other animals who could have been trained to lead, leadership remained in the hands of a privileged few. This mirrors the political situation in The Gambia, where in sixty years, the nation has seen only three presidents. This lack of leadership diversity has stifled progress and innovation, much like the stagnation experienced on Animal Farm.
Building the windmill was a major goal of the farm. It would bring electricity to give light, heat, cool air, and leisure. For this, the animals constantly toiled. It would be the major project that would help them realize and experience their, not American Dream, but their Animal Farm Dream. It would make real “their Canaan, their promised land.” Similarly, in The Gambia, promises of development and progress have often remained unfulfilled. Despite the hard work of the Gambian people, significant advancements in areas like agriculture and technology have not been realized.
Sixty years, Napoleon, Snowball, other than Mr. Jones, were the only leaders that farm had ever known. Why, oh why, in sixty years, has The Gambia only produced three leaders? Is there no one else among us qualified to lead? This question echoes the frustration of many Gambians who wonder why leadership has remained in the hands of a few. The lack of constitutional amendments to limit leadership to a maximum of two terms has perpetuated this cycle of restrictive leadership.
The Gambian economy has long been reliant on peanut farming and tourism. Despite calls for diversification, little progress has been made. This is reminiscent of the animals’ constant toil to build the windmill, only to see it destroyed repeatedly. The Gambian people, like Boxer, have concentrated their physical energy on labor and loyalty to the established order, only to die poor, unappreciated, without seeing or tasting the fruit of the “promised land”.
The ignorance of the animals brought about tyrannical leadership. Similarly, the lack of education and awareness among the Gambian people has allowed restrictive leadership to persist. Anyone who attempted to become a thinker, dreamer, and demonstrate leadership prowess has been ostracized, criticized as rabble-rousers, and then marginalized by the security dogs of nepotism, cronyism, and despotism.
Sixty years we have degenerated from being Gambians. We are primarily tribal and political opportunists; our democracy fails in this regard because we listen to “a majority,” draw hard lines, and quickly classify people as “Us and Them.” Our democracy fails because it is not purpose-led. Subsequently, the best ideas, visions, intellectual and leadership prowess are overlooked or underused until the next party gets in office. Then the cycle repeats itself. Rather than become more non-partisan, we continue to foster partisanship, and the country suffers tremendously. And the aged politicians stay in office, snuffing out bright young leaders.
Fatoumatta: The story of “Animal Farm” serves as a timeless reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding democracy. Just as the animals on the farm were manipulated and oppressed by their leaders, the Gambian people have faced similar challenges under restrictive leadership. By drawing parallels between the two, we can better understand the need for constitutional reforms, education, and awareness to empower the people and prevent the rise of tyrannical leaders. As The Gambia reflects on its sixty-year journey, it is crucial to learn from the past and strive for a future where leadership is accountable, term limits are respected, and the nation’s potential is fully realized. Let us celebrate the resilience of the Gambian people and work towards a brighter, more equitable future for all.
The Gambia’s Independence!
The Gambia has borne fruitful outcomes
United through ethnic unification,
In the face of past conflicts,
Resolved by a commitment to peace.
Pacifying the adversary,
She stands united in a state of unity.
She deserves to rejoice,
Not as a subject of oppression,
But to flourish in her kingdom—
Flourished and ready to flourish again.
She must stand free
From her so-called masters,
Having emerged from the struggles of ’65
To embrace a new era,
Transforming unsatisfactory times into satisfactory ones,
And still moving forward…
She is set to measure
Her resources and treasures,
Writing her own stories,
For her leisure,
Blessed by the favor of autonomy.
Long live The Gambia! Long live Africa!
