By Ebrima Manneh
The situation in Gambia continues to highlight deteriorating human rights conditions. Reports reconfirm numerous systemic failures which include the horrible conditions of the prison system that has failed to serve as a correctional facility, but rather a death sentence due to poor dietary conditions and lack of access to proper healthcare. The country in general is experiencing a deteriorating healthcare system that is sometimes subsidized by the philanthropic donations of the countrymen and women living in the diaspora whose contributions are sometimes not appreciated by the government but criticized because of their stance against dictatorship. Despite the unfair criticism, they continue on this endeavor. They did not embark on this venture for recognition but carrying out their moral responsibilities and duty to their country.
The country continues to experience a failing economy due to excessive government interference in every sector of business. The government impedes economic growth by imposing heavy taxation on the citizens and private sector. Taxation is an essential factor for economic growth but taxation that does not match individual earnings stifles growth and further discourages investors. This is a government that does not only impose heavy taxation on the citizens, but solicits donations to fund government or party functions. We continue to witness an unregulated depletion of public funds and exploitation of ordinary citizens. This is a government whose leader embarks on an excessive spending spree when most of the citizens struggle to provide three meals a day for their families. It is a government that demonstrates no degree of accountability or transparency to the people. This is due to the denial of free speech and lack of press freedom. In the absence of press freedom, injustices such as corruption that deters growth and national development cannot be questioned.
With all the atrocities and prevailing conditions, most of us remain quiet, non-involved and unaffected by the ongoing sufferings of our people. History taught us that societies that suffered in the hands of despots fought their way out of it. As long as the people understand and embrace the notion that liberty is a gift from God, it will be demanded without hesitation or reservation if it is denied by an ordinary man. To bring an end to oppression, people will have to summon courage and join forces for it is the means to attaining collective goals. Experience revealed that fear is real but can be overcomed. Once we get over this hurdle, the difficult task ahead which is victory can be attained.
It continues to be mind-bothering trying to figure out why the country took this destructive path for so long without any active or meaningful resistance. Numerous answers such as ignorance leading to brainwashing and hypnosis, lack of courage, an unpatriotic populace, selfishness, bias views, loss of morality and many other reasons come to mind. The easiest and sometimes irresponsible approach is to put the blame on individuals, criticize efforts and strategies, or even label organizations as non-effective. A responsible approach is to acknowledge and accept that there is a terrible situation that requires a unity of efforts to correct.
Though conditions in the country remain undesirable, we will continue to be inspired by the legacy of our predecessors who laid great foundations through their exemplary and relentless efforts in bringing freedom and rule of law to their people. As they formed unions and oppositions, they encountered criticisms and internal divisions which threatened the achievement of their goals. They did not give up, they figured out ways of bringing together their divergent ideas with the understanding that the end will have a pleasant outcome. This is one of the driving factors and motivation of people fighting for a free society. They were convinced and conscious of the fact that the interests of the group is bigger than one person, but in groups there are visionaries who must be afforded the opportunity to lead, while the rest carry out supporting or complimentary roles. To enhance and encourage contributions, community members must be empowered as valuable members. Once individuals realize a strong sense of self-worth, they will feel a great sense of membership. This is not the case in a dictatorship. The dictator does everything possible to strengthen his position and make the people less relevant.
We cannot let the challenges and obstacles stop our efforts and progress. We must continue to encourage the contributions of every citizen to ensure a better future, especially our youth whose education we must focus on and shape. The founding fathers of most progressive societies did not take the task of educating their youth lightly. ” The best means of forming a manly, virtuous, and happy people will be found in the right education of youth.” George Washington indicated. He did not only advocate for an education, but the right education. In moving forward, implementing the right education for our youth will be quite essential; one that nurtures virtuous and informed citizens. Well educated citizens are able to identify the deceitful tactics of a dictator and will not allow to be led astray. They will demand and ensure the prevalence of a democratic system in which no one party has monopoly on truth and justice. Well educated citizens take active roles in the system of government by ensuring a balance of power that ensures checks and balances in governance.
As a people and community, we share a collective responsibility of shaping a bright future for our children. We must re-emphasize strong family values that teach the distinction between right and wrong. It is through the understanding of these differences that the youth and society at large can take charge and play active roles in the creation of a government that caters to their needs. The teachings in the school system should complement the foundation started in the home that can steer our most valued resources, our youth, in the right direction. It is through this reinforcement that they will develop lasting virtues and great moral principles such as love, kindness, honesty, just to name a few. They will not be misled by the myths associated with these principles. A leader that does not understand the essence of these values, lacks important qualities. My favorite moral principle is the principle of utility (John Stuart Mill) which requires us, whenever we have to choose between alternative actions or social policies, to pick the one that provides the most happiness for everyone concerned. This reminds us that we must be considerate of people in our dealings with them.
I am still hopeful that we will continue to move forward despite the numerous distractions and challenges. A determined people with a true conviction and belief in their endeavor will find a way to bring their divergent ideas together and move forward. Moving forward would require an honest confrontation of the issues and accepting that we have problems. I categorize our problems to be two-fold; one that is imposed on us by the oppressive regime, and the other, a self-inflicted problem caused as a result of our conforming to the present situation. There is an ethical void which served as an enabler to the current system. Our sincerity, honesty, sympathy, love for one another, and all other virtues that serve as the cornerstone of a moral society must be re-established.
The suffering of our people should serve as motivation and make us more determined to restore democracy to the people. We will continue to advocate for a well-educated youth that will ensure in the future, an educated populace that has the characteristics of creating a government by them and for them. An urgent challenge is to figure out what unites us. It is in unity that we will realize the strength to effect the change we all desperately aspire.