By Alagi Yorro Jallow.
Part 1
Fatoumatta: In a democracy, governance must rise above the fray of partisan theatrics; yet in The Gambia, cabinet ministers are increasingly mired in party politics, which severely undermines institutional integrity. Instead of embodying national service, they often showcase loyalty to the ruling party, transforming their roles into mere extensions of political allegiance. This alarming trend raises a crucial question: Should ministers act as political agents, or should they uphold the principles of neutrality and professionalism in serving the nation?
Cabinet ministers in The Gambia are progressively entwined in partisan politics, creating significant concerns about the integrity of our governance. This entanglement leads ministers to prioritize party interests over the collective needs of the nation, often demonstrated by their overt endorsement of party policies that may not best serve the public good. Unlike their counterparts in other nations who maintain an impartial stance in public service, Gambian ministers frequently don in “Ashobi”, ruling party attire and engage in political rallies. This blurring of lines between governance and partisanship erodes the professionalism essential for effective national service.
Historically, the 1970 constitution permitted politicians and parliamentarians to serve as cabinet ministers, a provision intended to ensure representation of the people’s political choices. However, this was later abolished to enhance governmental independence. Today, we observe ministers actively participating in party activities, betraying the core principle that public servants should represent the entire nation, not just a narrow political faction.
Fatoumatta: Today, cabinet ministers flaunt their allegiance to the ruling party, donning “Ashobi” clothing at political events, including the inauguration of National People’s Party (NPP) offices. This situation demands a critical examination: Should cabinet ministers immerse themselves in party politics, or should they maintain a dignified distance from such partisan affairs?
In contrast, countries like the United States exemplify a more balanced approach, where cabinet secretaries—such as the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense—engage in political matters with prudence and restraint. Unlike elected officials, their roles are not centered around political campaigning or party functions. Instead, their political involvement manifests in a more substantive way:
In other democracies, cabinet secretaries serve as the President’s key advisors, leading policy formulation and ensuring the government’s agenda is executed effectively. This advisory role is inherently political, yet it influences national strategy and direction. They act as the public face of their respective departments, championing policies before Congress, the public, and international audiences.
For example, the Secretary of State oversees foreign relations, while the Secretary of Defense manages military and national security matters. These roles, while requiring significant political engagement, are firmly rooted in the interest of the nation, rather than mere party loyalty. Despite often being appointed by the President from the same political party, cabinet secretaries are expected to serve the entire nation, transcending the interests of individual political factions. This expectation is particularly critical for positions involving diplomacy and national security, where professionalism and strategic governance must always overshadow partisan considerations.
Ultimately, we must insist that our cabinet ministers prioritize the interests of national governance over the shackles of party politics. While political engagement is an inevitable aspect of policymaking, the emphasis must be on leadership, expertise, and the preservation of institutional integrity. It is imperative that we shift our focus from political theatrics to genuine and effective governance. A comparative analysis of other democracies reveals more principled practices.
In the United States, cabinet secretaries engage in politics by influencing government policy and advising the President, yet they maintain a clear boundary by refraining from open political campaigning and partisan displays. Their primary duty is national service, not the promotion of party interests. The Gambian government must act decisively to address this troubling trend and restore professionalism to our leadership. Ministers must be held accountable to prioritize governance, focusing on policy and public service rather than political theatrics. Failure to uphold these standards could lead to a continued erosion of institutional integrity, ultimately threatening the very foundations of governance.
Fatoumatta: By recommitting to professionalism, we can forge a future worthy of our collective investment. Governance must be rescued from the clutches of political spectacle and restored to its vital purpose—serving the nation with dignity, expertise, and foresight. If ministers fail to uphold the ideals of neutrality and discipline, The Gambia risks further degradation of institutional integrity, where governance becomes indistinguishable from partisan activism. A government that values professionalism over distraction is not merely a government; it is a beacon for a future worth defending.
