Alagi Yorro Jallow
Fatoumatta: The Gambia stands at a pivotal crossroads, and the decisions we make today will define the democratic aspirations of future generations. Central to this journey is the constitutional-making process—an essential opportunity to craft a document that truly reflects our collective will, embodies our shared values, and establishes a just and equitable society. We cannot afford to let this vision be dictated by a select few. For democracy to flourish, every voice must be heard, every stakeholder must be involved, and we must insist on transparency and accountability at every step.
It is an outright disrespect to other political parties and civil society that only President Barrow, Ousainou Darboe, and Dr. Chambas—the African Union representative and architect of the agreement that forced Yahya Jammeh into exile—held a closed-door meeting to discuss the constitutional-making process. This blatant exclusion of other political parties severely undermines the principle of equality among stakeholders, placing the future of our legal framework and governance solely in the hands of two political figures and a foreign mediator.
This decision raises urgent and critical questions: Why would President Barrow and Ousainou Darboe allow such an exclusive meeting to occur without the participation of other essential stakeholders? This lack of inclusivity not only reflects poorly on their leadership but also indicates a dangerous willingness to compromise the democratic future of The Gambia. The recent closed-door meeting has ignited significant concern. By sidelining other political parties and civil society organizations, this gathering demonstrates a shocking disregard for the principles of equality and inclusivity that are cornerstones of democratic governance. It is unacceptable to exclude key stakeholders and undermine the collective responsibility required to shape The Gambia’s constitutional future. The choice to limit participation to just two political figures and a foreign mediator raises serious questions about the intentions and priorities of those involved.
Fatoumatta: Why would President Barrow and Ousainou Darboe opt for such an exclusive gathering? This lack of inclusivity tarnishes their leadership and signals a troubling readiness to compromise the democratic aspirations of the Gambian people. It clearly conveys that the voices of other political parties, civil society organizations, and citizens are deemed unimportant in the constitutional-making process. Creating a new constitution is not a task for a select few. It is a national responsibility that demands the active engagement of all stakeholders. The exclusion of diverse voices from this process is a direct affront to the principles of democracy—participation, transparency, and accountability.
A constitution is not merely a legal document; it embodies the collective will and aspirations of a nation. Crafting such an important document behind closed doors, without input from all relevant parties, risks alienating those it is meant to serve. The discourse surrounding the contentious draft constitution for The Gambia’s third republic cannot belong to a select few, especially not to Ousainou Darboe, who lacks a mandate to represent the people.This endeavor must include contributions from all political parties, civil society organizations, and citizens. Excluding these voices is a blatant disregard for the foundational principles of democracy. The future of The Gambia must not be dictated behind closed doors by a privileged few. It is imperative that all stakeholders are given a seat at the table to ensure that the constitution accurately reflects the collective will and aspirations of the Gambian people.
The future of The Gambia cannot and must not be determined in secrecy by a selected few. It is crucial that all stakeholders, including political parties from across the spectrum, civil society organizations, and ordinary citizens, are actively involved. Only through an open, transparent, and inclusive process can The Gambia hope to create a constitution that genuinely embodies the values and aspirations of its people. Anything less would be a grave betrayal of the democratic ideals that countless individuals have fought to uphold.
Fatoumatta: As Gambians, we must be unwavering in our commitment to safeguard the democratic ideals that bind us. The constitutional-making process is not just a technical task; it is our moral duty to honor the sacrifices made by those who fought for our freedom and to lay a robust foundation for generations yet to come. We must demand inclusivity, insist on transparency, and hold our leaders accountable for their actions. Together, we will create a constitution that unites us, empowers us, and secures the future we all deserve.
