After many years of enduring the barbaric reality of living under dictatorship and not able to achieve the desired outcome, one would reach a conclusion that we have collectively identified the common enemy. Identifying a common enemy should inspire us to forge a unified and formidable front to end the oppression. The recent developments in the struggle for liberation exposed that there is still focus on what divides us rather than finding what unites us to bring an end to a regime that continues to deny us our freedom. The division among us is sometimes incited, but also accepted due to deformation or lack of knowledge of the truth. We must seek the truth and not rely on interpretation giving the information a different meaning. We need to continue to emphasize solid civic education for the citizens to prevent being led astray due to their ignorance.
With all the injustices, maltreatments, and violations of rights in the Gambia, it is evident that seeking the truth remains a cornerstone in identifying the most viable roadmap in ending oppression. Knowledge of the truth will also guide us in adopting virtues essential in reinstituting a moral society. In a moral society, selflessness is recognized as a virtue, and the happiness of the majority becomes a shared value. It is the embrace of selflessness that men and women in different parts of the world get out of their comfort zones to fight for the freedom of others, even to the extent of paying the ultimate sacrifice. It is the same urge that motivates the virtuous to engage in activism with the belief that they can do their part to make a difference in their communities and improve the lives of others. This is an enduring challenge for the noble. They wake up every day with the desire to improve the lives of others through humane intervention. The motivation for selfless service is the happiness derived from doing good, but most importantly, because that is what God wants us to do. Doing God’s work requires accountability but the scriptural guidance is that accountability should be unenforceable, though it remains an ethical and moral obligation. Responsible citizens that exercise generosity and demonstrate a sense of duty to fight for country by sacrificing both their time and resources must not be vilified but appreciated. Their cause is noble and selfless. No matter what we think of their actions and how they are labelled, those that are committed to fighting for justice for their people should be commended. We must exercise a good sense of judgment and maturity; desist from the finger pointing futility that continues to impede our main goal of ending tyranny. When situations are going wrong or perceived to be heading the wrong direction in their communities, responsible citizens intervene by finding or providing constructive alternatives. We can correct the wrongs in our society through positive interactions and dialogue. The negative criticisms, personal attacks, and unsubstantiated allegations only widen the gap and delay the need to merge our efforts to defeat the common enemy. During the civil rights era, people were reminded about the psychological assistance rendered to segregation. We also need to be aware of the psychological assistance rendered to oppression or tyranny through the derailment of individual and collective efforts.
The non-profit organizations like GDF, that are formed to help correct social problems and injustices are aware of their responsibilities to the general public, who deserve accountability and honesty in their dealings. Organizations that came about with goodwill intentions owe their societies nothing less. The interested parties that demand accountability must also be accountable to the people by being truthful. The demand or request for accountability must be procedural and ethical. No one group should claim autonomy of the truth and cannot bully the other for claimant of the truth. We must not suppress our values for the attainment of selfish gains. Honesty in our dealings without malicious intent will expedite our efforts in ending the oppressive regime in the Gambia. Those that incite or continue fanning the flames of division are not doing justice to a country that has been submerged in dictatorship for too long. Those that mean well for the country should assist in bringing divergent groups together for the greater good. We must continue to enhance the awareness of our people to enable them to distinguish between right and wrong, and avoid being misled. The need to develop well educated and informed citizens who are aware of social and national issues, and take decisions based on informed consent remains a top priority. The education process should include the development of men and women of noble character who will serve their communities with integrity. We must honor the legacies of democracy, and the generosity of a nation that ensured our liberties by intervening during such a crucial time. The stories revealed by individuals that witnessed the horrific and inhumane treatment of innocent citizens exemplify a nation in crisis. When a nation is in crisis, citizens realize a necessity to put their differences aside and collaborate to attain the common good, regime change to reinstate rule of law in the Gambia.
The embezzlement of the national resources and denial of civil liberties impacts us equally, but pursuit of temporary selfish endeavors denies us the recognition of this fact. We must rise to the occasion and respond to the challenges of our time just like other generations did collective response to national issues. We cannot keep on procrastinating and exaggerating the animosities without facing the challenges. It is time we all work together and fight to ensure a free and just society where citizens are entitled to rights and privileges. It is evident that waiting for rights and privileges to be handed to us is not realistic, therefore must be demanded. We are calling on the international community to intervene in the affairs of the oppressed against tyranny. The lack of action of the people, failure to exercise their freedom of speech and assembly is not acceptance of the status quo, but an involuntary submission to injustice caused by intimidation.
The effects of dictatorship are not only felt within, but beyond the borders of the sovereign countries. This is evident in the recent mass migration of people from third world countries to Europe and other places in search of greener pastures, or to escape persecution. The mass migration is having economic and social impacts on the countries that provide safe havens to the migrants. Fighting and ending dictatorship can alleviate some of the economic challenges in the world. It is becoming evident that, what affects one affects all of us directly or indirectly. It is therefore imperative to engage our problems together and find collective solutions to a better world. Let us work hard to contribute to the future of our country and her children, and improve our communities. Those that sacrifice for country do so to ensure others enjoy the freedom they deserve. We will always honor those that pay the ultimate sacrifice, and forever be indebted to them and their families.
Let us emulate and follow the examples of the great people that contribute and improve the conditions of their communities without seeking recognition. We all cannot lead but we can make a difference by contributing if we realize the inherent value of every individual. We need to reassert our positions as concerned citizens of the Gambia or concerned citizens of Gambian decent who believe in the advancement of freedom and justice for all. We are confident that the end of dictatorship in the Gambia is near, and Gambia will return to civility and rule of law. For those that relentlessly embark on selfless service, God has your reward.
By Ebrima Manneh