By Ebrima Manneh
The desired outcome of change is to bring in something different, better than what was deserted. What is worth remembering is the situation we left was extended due to our weaknesses to counter the strategies and effects of division. We were dealt a bad situation, but naivety, absence of moral courage, and pursuit of self-interests, blinded us from realizing and embracing the virtuous principle that “what unites us is stronger than what divides us.” Failure to recognize this principle created a social weakness that delayed the ability to embrace the need to unite around a common agenda. Recognizing the force of unity led to the achievement of what previously seemed impossible, the ousting of an entrenched dictator.
There were warnings and predictions from lessons learned that the fall of dictatorship will usher a new environment for celebration due to the long deprivation of the enjoyment of deserved rights. Equally, there were warnings that the downfall of dictatorship does not immediately bring in an ideal society, or desired environment. As these warnings and predictions turn into realities, we must not panic or succumb to the false alarms that failure is imminent, or there is reemergence of a new dictatorship. The current situation should remind us to embrace the challenges as undeniable and unavoidable realities that need to be confronted if we are to overcome them. We must collectively cultivate a democratic environment that is tolerant to dissent and divergent views. Such an environment also tolerates speaking truth to power as a religious tenet. Those that garner the moral courage and speak truth to power steer their leaders, and communities in the right direction. They are citizens that stay vigilant to ensure that the democratization process is an ongoing endeavor. Their plead will seem imposing or demanding, but must be taken as a necessary demand. Citizens cannot beg for the enjoyment of natural rights as they are inalienable rights that cannot be denied. Both government and citizens have a responsibility of nurturing and encouraging a system that attracts participation to model an inclusive society in which everyone is considered an important player. A system in which citizens feel included and not alienated, enhances trust and builds confidence. “Alienation is a living death,” and no one deserves to be in such a predicament. There is great despair and loss of confidence when citizens are excluded from matters affecting their lives.
An important initial achievement of the new administration in the Gambia is the re-institution and awakening of the freedom of expression. Regaining their voices instills a sense of participation that was lost for a long time. With the freedom of expression guaranteed, citizens feel they are being heard, and that the authorities will eventually heed to their concerns and demands. As we carry on this new chapter of nation building, embracing the imminent truth will be the new challenge. Throughout the existence of human beings, the enacting of a just society has been clouded by our deliberate injection of opinions to alter the truth. “The truth is the same for all, but it is not equally known to all,” as indicated by the Philosopher Saint Thomas Aquinas. Knowing the truth remains a virtuous pursuit of a society that strives to be just. Decisions of a just society cannot be based on individual opinions even though they must be put into consideration during decision making. It is knowledge of the truth that propels reasoning to the attainment of the shared interests, to reach a desirable conclusion. The success of the democratization will be based on the genuine efforts of all stakeholders, and the equal recognition of the imminent truth. Knowing the truth enables us to safeguard the principle of unity, safeguard other goods and strive to meet the developmental challenges and the catastrophe left by 22 years of dictatorship. The awakening and reinstitution of our lost democracy presented the environment to exercise divergent views freely without fear of persecution. An environment that tolerates divergent views must exercise sensitivity to the issues expressed from all sides. Making demands to government for key requirements such as reliable and sustainable energy, access to good healthcare, reliable transportation network, ensuring safety of citizens, and other basic human necessities a priority, is a citizenship duty. It is also an obligation for citizens to ask their representatives and government to deliver on the promises and meet expectations. Tolerating divergent views and dissent is an empowerment tool that enhances growth and development. “Growth requires connection and trust,” and this trend that was missing in the Gambian community for so long should be encouraged and nurtured to be enduring. Being receptive and tolerant to criticism is a great attribute of good governance. Great leaders conscientiously focus on the goals and objectives using the criticisms as a guiding tool to correct current mistakes. The government must work to overcome the legacies of dictatorship by avoiding a repeat of the dictatorial trends and tendencies. This includes excluding those that participated in enhancing dictatorship, or those that directly or strategically assisted oppression serve in key positions in the new government.
The realism that the downfall of dictatorship does not mean a reduction in vigilance, and that an ideal society will appear immediately cannot be lost. The two realities must be acknowledged as inevitable for the democratization process. The vigilance of the citizens will prevent the reemergence of dictatorship, but is the acceptance of the reality that the rebuilding process will take place for many years due to the extensiveness of the deterioration. Embracing the principle of uniting around a common agenda, our shared interests while respecting divergent views remains a key to success. The immense social and economic problems that are inherited require collaboration and cooperation to find a resolution. The opportunity has presented people of varying talent to give constructive recommendations and work for the advancement for the new regime to meet the needs of the people. The compassionate approach and initiatives of not waiting for government but doing their part by non-profit organizations and concerned citizens, is commendable and should be emulated. It is an example of adopting a sense of responsibility and participation in developing one’s society.
The current situation presents us the opportunity to once again embrace the need to unite around a common agenda to overcome shared challenges. This entails maintaining vigilance, accepting divergent views, and being disciplined and responsible in handling the success we fought vigorously. If we can succeed in uniting against dictatorship, we can unite to agree on the viable courses of action or strategies for a successful nation building. The acknowledgement of the truth remains the cornerstone of our success, and success is the only acceptable option after the sordid past. Our faith, determination, and unity of efforts will see us through. We will collectively work hard to advance the new democracy by safeguarding the enjoyment of rights, and compliment government in the efforts to meet the daily and future needs of the citizens.