By Ebrima Manneh
Tolerating injustice and abuse has seemingly become a norm in The Gambia. In most progressive and humane societies, bad governance is greeted with defiance. I find it abnormal for people to endure being oppressed this long without putting up a resistance. This has been the reality and way of life in the Gambia since the inception of this regime. Instead of denouncing dictatorship, bad behavior is rewarded with conformity and praise. Surprisingly, the ongoing oppression has been welcome with open arms. A greater number of the population continue to demonstrate loyalty to this regime and its leader out of fear. With the bad track record and vicious abuses against the citizens, the people continue to display a blind loyalty. Loyalty has eventually transcended into absolute trust. Demonstrating loyalty at the expense of one’s existence is definitely a moral low. It is inexcusable for people not to realize the brutality of this regime that continues to violate the civil liberties of the citizens without remorse. One can only wonder what it will take for the nation to come to a consensus that there is a serious problem at hand. The first step in solving a problem is identifying and admitting it’s existence. The failure to realize and admit that a problem exists stagnates the efforts in finding solutions.
It would not take a genius to accept that this is a dysfunctional government that never had genuine interest in the welfare of the people in the first place. Any act of goodwill by this government has an ulterior motive. It is imperative for the people to realize that all good relationships are formed on the principles of mutuality. The parties concern contribute a fair share in making the union a success. Gambians need to come to the honest realization that this relationship is one sided and must be ended. We all share the blame of nurturing a tyrant that has now gotten out of control. We are obligated to collectively resolve the situation. Restoration of democracy is never an unattainable endeavor. With faith and determination, desirable outcomes can be achieved.
History will reserve a place for some of our religious leaders for not only trading their faith for greed, they will be held responsible for taking advantage of the ignorance and innocence of their followers thus advocating for loyalty to an oppressor. The intellectuals who have been cowed to submission also have a share of the blame. They will be held accountable. We continue to emphasize the need for an educated populace that will detect and defy deception. It is a sad occurrence to see our religious leaders use their platforms to deceive their audiences to rally behind a president whose only goal is to strengthen his grip on power.
The justice system in The Gambia is much to be desired. It has failed to protect the interests of the people. It is a pillar that has been incapacitated to dormancy. Lack of an independent judiciary system jeopardizes the prevalence of justice. Due to the lack of a fair justice system, citizens endure jail sentences merely for expressing opposing views from that of the ruling party. To end repression, timidity and complacency must be replaced with patriotism and courage. Just as Martin Luther king asked his peers to stop being afraid, we are also faced with similar challenges.
The system of government in Gambia is definitely an authoritarian one. The president dictates over all matters and the people conform without objection. Democratic societies have always ensured a power sharing government with a system of checks and balances. Such a system ensures that the executive branch, which is most likely to become too powerful and uncontrollable, is checked by the other branches of government. Tyranny succeeds because of the support it enjoys from the army and other security forces that enforces it’s intent. The Security personnel that enable dictatorship must be reminded their civilian statues. They came from the communities and to the communities they will return. They have a responsibility of ensuring a seamless transition back to civilian life. “A great army enables a democracy to fulfill its ultimate mission” In The Gambia, we have seen the contrary.
In a country where citizens are persistently denied their God-given and constitutional rights such as the right to be buried in one’s country, further reveals the inhumane nature of this regime and it’s leader. The moral weakness that the Gambia continues to display as a nation is beyond imagination. We have witnessed a total destruction of our social values and blatant denial of our civil liberties, yet we stand aside and look, complain, and feel sorry for ourselves. With all the atrocities committed against us, we have failed to organize and march on in unity to end this repressive regime in our motherland.
Every Gambian citizen, friends of The Gambia, those of Gambian decent, and affiliates share a responsibility in returning the country to normalcy. An oppressed society cannot wait and rely on mere optimism or intervention by external forces to improve conditions. Societies that truly want freedom do not let fear and the consequences of failure stop them. The will of the people to attain a civil society and ensure justice for all should incite a sense of urgency for action. Contemplating and procrastinating will not bring about regime change in The Gambia.
There is a great deal of pessimism concerning the future of The Gambia after the Jammeh era. I am quite optimistic that it will not be anything like what the country has experienced over the past two decades. The terrible lessons of oppression will lead to the creation of a democratic government that represents the interests of the people. It will be one that denies absolute power to be vested on one individual, but will allow diversity, tolerance, and openness to different views. It will be an inclusive and empowering government that allows people to have a say in matters pertaining to their Lives. A democratic process enhanced human development and intelligence as people are encouraged to share organizational and national responsibilities.
Experience teaches that people vehemently contribute to an organization if they feel there are shared interests to protect. It is a natural tendency for people to safeguard a good situation after a horrible experience. The future is promising but for now, we need to rise up to the urgent challenges of our time. Past generations sacrificed to ensure us a great deal of freedom. We therefore need to create an ideal environment, and pass the baton of responsibility and servitude to the future generation.