PRESIDENT BARROW'S HEART IS IN A GOOD PLACE

In our assessment of the Barrow Presidency thus far, some of us have claimed a lack of foresight, clear vision, determination, or strength in leadership due to the seeming chaotic nature of how things are. Some yet, still appalled at the retention of some “enablers” form the past dispensation. But in a rare insight, perhaps the first such insight into the mind of the President with  regards to the civil and security service, we see a man determined to give a second chance; a chance to redemption and self-evaluation for members of the civil service and security apparatus.

These sentiments of concern prevalent amongst the ordinary citizen had been reechoed by Hon. Hamat Bah in addressing the security lapses that saw the re-entry into the country of two of Jammeh’s notorious henchmen without fuss. In a revealing moment; Hon. Hamat Bah also offered us some insight into the President’s line of thinking. 

Speaking on recommendations made to the President early into the transition to sack everybody, he stated that the President responded that “…we don’t have to sack anyone. We should give everybody an opportunity and see how we can transform the country and the civil service to make it better because it was battered so bad that people were not allowed to function the way they want to function.” Directing comments at some of those present Hon. Bah stated; We know some of you were part of the system in the past…We know people who took guns and were ready to defend the Jammeh regime in our midst here, we know more than you think we know….But Mr. President said no….I would have done a different thing if I was in President Barrow’s position.” 

And rightly so Hon. Bah, because as he put it, the incompetence and seeming lack of desire for some civil servants to take responsibility and change their approach to work and the ethics thereof, casts us all in bad light; “Mr President, this is affecting your government, affecting your image and affecting the image of the country. This is an issue that needs to be addressed immediately,” This speaks to most of our feelings and perceptions.

According the civil servants and security personnel an opportunity to improve themselves and change course is by no means an acknowledgement that a different route couldn’t have been taken. President Barrow could have been more assertive in so many aspects, but with this rare glimpse into his mindset as far as the conditions of the civil service are concerned; what some take as weakness is in fact an honest and sincere effort to extend a redemptive opportunity to members of the civil service. Evidently President Barrow has more faith in people’s capacity to change and be responsive to the needs of those they are mandated to take 
care of than most of us.

“Indeed, it is an open secret that the public service itself became the first victim of the brutality of the past regime. The public service became largely non-responsive and low performing under the former administration. These important institutions have been generally politicized, abused and rendered irrelevant as most operational and strategic decisions were surrendered to the Office of the President for one man to make them all.

In the Public Service there are many well-articulated policies, strategies and plans that do not get implemented because of the mindset of the so-called ‘implementation bottlenecks’. This culture has no place in the new dispensation. As we set out to implement our new development blueprint, it cannot be business as usual. We need to understand that no progress can be made in developing our country if we continue to conduct business as usual. Change needs to happen and it needs to happen now. Let us therefore take charge of our destiny and make this country a better place for generations to come.”

From the above we can say with certainty that President Barrow blames the under-performance and non-responsive civil service solely on how Yahya Jammeh handled the affairs of state. The response from the civil service became one of survival maneuverings and attempts at self-preservation as each tries to secure the positions on which their livelihoods depend. Call it naïve, but President Barrow believes with a new dispensation under his watch and freedom to act according to set standards, the best in our people will emerge and with it a more professional civil service enabled by a good leadership. Question is should so much faith be put in people who have been accustomed to corrupt practices, is it in fact naïve on the part of the President?

Contrary to claims from some quotas, that the lack of ‘system change’ is evidence of willingness to perpetuate the corrupt practices of the past; of a man who is out to enrich himself and his cronies at our expense. I hold a contrary view that such claims are untrue and cynical at best. Is there a need for sweeping reforms? Absolutely. Does that require firings and terminations, certainly; and a whole lot of these will be very welcome and most justified. The point of divergence for me is the claims that such a move is not taken in some cases because of attempts at entrenching corruption and self-perpetuation. Rather, it is an attempt to rely on an already trained and familiar batch of public servants who, in his opinion only need redirection and to summon their best traits.

“…this is why my first administrative orders as President were all aimed at revamping and sanitizing the public service. These include: Setting up a panel to orderly reinstate the officials who were wrongfully dismissed by the previous Government, decongest the Office of the President by re-assigning institutions and line departments to the purview of the ministries where they rightfully belong, and effectively empower the sectors to be in charge of their mandates and be accountable for their actions,”

In addition to the fact that a lot had been expended to train and upskill civil servants over the years, it will be counter-productive to embark on large scale dismissals when there is an option to re-direct some. Again, some are absolutely undeserving of this approach of extending an olive branch and a second chance at redemption.

Another thing President Barrow has seemingly taken into account that could be said to influence his approach to governance is inclusiveness. We all know a lot of damage had been done under Yahya, a lot of polarization, animosity and suspicion that will require a steady hand to strike a delicate balance that will bring back national cohesion and maintain stability. If he embarks on a massive cleansing program as a means of sanitizing the civil as well as security service, a lot could go wrong that could undermine our progress and stability. We have already heard claims of tribalism after some security officers have been arrested and some political appointments rescinded. 

Every action has been subject to a view of “who is involved, what ‘tribe’ are they” as the first measure of how to view any move by the government; who gets ‘favored’ and who gets ‘marginalized’ based on their ‘tribe’. In such a volatile situation, we should not be driven by emotions but rather by reason and well thought out courses of action which is what seems to be approach of the President. That sense of unity was echoed in his speech;

“We are faced with challenges but we are willing to listen and learn to succeed, but we can’t succeed without unity. Others can help us but the ultimate responsibility lies with Gambians.  We all faced challenges of uncertainties but we have to be determined to set up and connect. Gambian experts have to take risks for the sake of The Gambia. We were united in our fight for freedom; let us continue to be united to work for the development of our country. I assure you that I value each and every one of you and I shall endeavor to harness the potentials of everyone wherever, and whenever possible.”

Even though some of us would like to see a punitive course of action taken in certain aspect, it is reassuring to know that in President Barrow we have a man who wants to see the best in us as a people and not give into cynicism and ill-faith as to our propensity for good and our ability to do good given the right circumstances. Barrow has given the civil servants and security personnel the opportunity to exert themselves through professionalism and patriotism for the good of us all.

The onus therefore now lies with the various public servants in whatever capacity, to live up to expectations and deliver for the Gambian people. The political will is there to enhance and support creativity and innovation, but above all, the environment has been created to ensure best practice is upheld without fearing one’s tenure.

Let us focus on the future, and for those who have been found wanting and are still in the system, here is an opportunity to redeem yourselves before it is too late. The calls to get rid of some people will continue and the axe will eventually fall; and without the required adjustments in attitude when the axe falls there will be no public sympathy. The commissions are progressing; the calls to hold those found wanting will also gather steam and the call for justice will not cease either.

Having said that it is also helpful Mr. President, to engage with citizens and allay their fears by reassuring and talking to them on their issues of concern. Your actions will vindicate you, but your word when it matters also accounts for a great deal.

The watch continues!

STOP THE VINDICTIVENESS

Without fail, every time there is an issue of national concern since January 2016, we are forced to put up with the vindictive comments of bitter folks who can’t seem to get over the fact Halifa and the PDOIS were trounced in favor of Barrow. The hypocrisy and insincerity to that regard has been on display for all to see since the inception of this gov’t; that’s the truth.

“If only Halifa were nominated to lead; wait until PDOIS assumes power, Barrow should admit his incompetence and step aside.”  These are a few of the lines we’ve been hearing since Barrow was entrusted with our affairs.

At a time when all are concerned about our fragile security situation, some are out with their vindictive comments yet again. It is one thing to say One Gambia, One People, Gambia First, and all the flowery one liners, but truly believing and upholding that mantra is another thing.

The people made a choice; it was Barrow, not Sallah. “Gambia First” would mean despite your personal feelings or views of another, as long as the choice was democratic and fair, until the mandate of the chosen one expires, we all join hands to find solutions to common problems through sincere exchange of ideas.

Democracy would mean respecting the people’s choice even if you have your misgivings by contributing workable ideas. The constant vindictiveness is not criticism or dialogue; it is a manifestation, a symptom of the bitterness within. What would you and your camp do different? No; we won’t say! Pay the ransom (vote us in) and we will show you, yet you claim sole proprietorship of patriotism!

The same ‘Gambian people’ you claim to care so much about made their choice, instead of respecting that choice you come up with all manner of insults and condescending remarks accusing them of factionalism, sectarianism, tribalism etc. because to your mind their choice is incompetent and so they must suffer collectively for their choice just so you can massage your ego and say we told you so.

The protection of the rights of the APRC and her members to assemble and say all manner of outrageous things in the face of the revelations of the atrocities committed under their watch, even though a ban or simply a denial of permit will be largely supported; THAT is the spirit of One Gambia in practice. Telling the general public to be tolerant of the APRC exercising their rights without provoking them, THAT is the advancement of the concept of One People.

Now, if APRC chooses to be provocative and drive around town hailing the man who is responsible for many an aggrieved citizen and celebrating him, they should equally be responsible enough to exercise restraint in the face of the inevitable harsh comments they are bound to encounter. That is people expressing their disgust at such blatant disregard for our collective plight and the sheer remorselessness of such a venture as brazen as a countrywide tour; one devoid of any admission of guilt, regret or even an apology for being at the very least, complicit. That expression of disgust on the part of citizens, THAT too is democratic, it’s free speech. You know that concept you so dearly flaunt around, yes that and it must be protected without recourse to violent response.

Somehow, yet again it is UDP; the be-all do-all culprit of anything the self-anointed patriots are not desirous of. That is the issue; the fact that one can so blatantly ignore all that we went through as a people under that butcher, only to turn around and blame the victims so soon after his banishment, and by victims I do not mean UDP, there are many an aggrieved citizen unaffiliated with any party.

What that inadvertently is telling us is that the APRC should be left alone to go around doing whatever they want, saying whatever they want, about whomever they want and worse; tell us all how great Yaya was and how those killed, raped, and maimed deserved their fate. That entire contemptuous disregard for what transpired is to be met with mute lack of concern from all, for it is the APRC’s right and the constitution guarantees it. Meanwhile, the victims cannot come out along the highway to tell them to their face how disgusting it is to celebrate a man so callous as to put an infant in jail, because doing so is provocative. What about the victims’ freedom of speech guaranteed under the same constitution, isn’t that position restrictive of their right?

In a situation as polarized as ours, thanks to the machinations of the butcher of Kanilai, navigating with caution is prudent, but any such attempt is viewed as suppression, any response pursuant to a breakdown of law is labeled as heavy handed. We saw it in Kanilai, when natives tried to impede law enforcement from carrying out a COURT ORDER only for tragedy to strike. When the authorities raised security concerns we all scream foul play. Why, because “the police are there to ensure security so use them and not give the lame excuse of national security which is what dictators hide behind.” The police act, we cry foul for heavy handedness, yet never bat an eye at the constant physical attacks on them. We are not in an ideal situation as a country, and that is not an excuse it just means it will take a while to get to a point where we can do things as would obtain in a conventional democracy, we are not there yet.

And that is not to say do not criticize either, for that will be our collective failure. But if from the get go you displayed discontent and never made it a secret, any attempt hitherto to criticize will be viewed with suspicion. Let’s say you cried wolf too many times when there was none. If a wolf does emerge, do not blame people for not responding or being sympathetic to your cries of help. APRC is the only one to blame here, but yet again some try to twist it to seem to be in favor of democracy deliberately ignoring the powder keg that is APRC hell bent on setting the country ablaze because their god has been banished.

That is where we are as a country; some of us will fault-find anything this administration does because we’d prefer a different set of people. Some are relieved at seeing the back of the tyrant and want to be the wind in the sails of the new ship until we reach safer and more pristine shores. Sure we could use a steam engine, but we do not have one so help man the sails, when we dock on those shores, we can all go our separate ways; if you want sit on the beach and look across the sea to that wretched land we left behind.

Right now, we are all in the same boat; kulung bula laa beh nganiya killing. If it sinks, there will be no new stable ship to captain. You cannot build a ship in the middle of a turbulent sea, you have to dock first; so let’s dock and on the other side you can help your favored ones to take over.  Enough already!

OUR ATTITUDES ARE THE PROBLEM

You know, we don’t all have to be religious, or faithful, or practicing believers. But like most things Gambian these days our differences in politics, values and cultural norms cannot be looked at with respect and regard for those we differ with, we have to attempt to tear them down to elevate ourselves; that attitude also extends into the religious/spiritual sphere. The rising number of atheist/agnostic beliefs and ‘free-thinkers’ in our midst comes with a new wave of attacks on our long held values and belief systems often in very condescending and disrespectful language. One’s experiences and disposition influences their beliefs and outlook on the world; nothing wrong with choosing your own path based on your convictions.

It is a concerning trend that people of faith or morally conservative people are increasingly becoming a target for denigration by people who view themselves as ‘enlightened’ because they successfully “broke free of indoctrination.” In actual fact what is often on display is the sheer ignorance and lack of understanding for something they claim to understand - religion. Instead of attempting to sutura themselves by acknowledging their ignorance and treading their chosen paths blissfully, they put their ignorance on display brandishing it as enlightenment. According other people the respect they deserve regardless of their values is basic human decency. From culture, to traditions, values and belief systems it is an unending display of intolerance and sheer impudence for “others” of whatever category

Worse, some of them do not know which way to lean; even the African spirituality some are prone to using as an excuse is hardly understood. “The Europeans and the Arabs forced their beliefs on us.” Ask them to explain what it is we had before that, beyond a name they have no clue as to the concept of African spirituality. Science on the other hand I’d like to think only fascinates them. That lack of insight and the audacity to challenge others on their convictions is the really irksome part. They will claim that people of religion do not like to be challenged; truth is a challenge has to be academic; probing, insightful questions for better understanding not one aimed at ridiculing and insulting which is what almost always obtains, not to mention the air of condescension that accompanies it.

It is really pitiful to see some of them try to argue from a supposedly logical point of view; they claim that religion is illogical, that there is no scientific evidence that God exists. But as far as we know, their logic has fallen short of conclusively declaring or proving the non-existence of God. It has been observed that the same evidence put forth as prove that there is no Creator but the laws of physics and nature, is the very same evidence used by the faithful to argue their case.

Let’s indulge your logic for a moment; all the known elements in the universe originated from the big bang. With the ever expanding universe, it has been established that there are over 100 billion stars in our galaxy (the Milky Way), one of the smallest galaxies; add to that the scientific fact that there are over 100 billion galaxies in the OBSERVABLE universe. Through billions of years of formation and evolution only one tiny planet was able to collect the needed elements essential for life in just the right amount – EARTH. If we were even a few inches closer to the sun than we currently are life as we know it will not be suitable for this planet, it will be barren. 

That precision is not by intelligent design? No we are told there is a perfect explanation by using physics. There is one problem though; Over 80% of what constitutes the mechanisms of the universe is unknown to science. They call it dark matter or dark energy; none of the laws of physics apply when it comes to dark matter. Here is some physical presence/phenomena that if subjected to the laws of physics breaks every rule, yet you want to subject people’s faith to the logic of physics discounting metaphysics and the unknown aspects of our consciousness?

The answers we get are not convincing enough, even if they are, using mathematical probabilities we know what is unknown is way more than what is known; if you want to rely on that small probability to convince you, by all means go ahead, some of us have our doubts about that theory and so hold on to something that speaks to our hearts; faith.

Faith is a gift that not everyone is bestowed with, so it is hard to explain. Claiming that you were faithful until you found ‘enlightenment’ in science, logic and reason is flawed, what in fact happened was that you conformed but never truly believed. Truth is, it has always been about what you desire and how people see you. Now that you need to take on a different persona to ‘fit in’ somewhere where you can indulge your desires unrestrained, you switched allegiances and conformed to something else, so don’t come around insulting our intelligence with your anti-religious stance. Atheist/agnostic beliefs appeal to you, uphold them by all means, be a ‘Free-Thinker’.

I am not a religious scholar, nor am I versed in scripture, but I thank God that he endowed me with faith, and my curiosity like many others does not let me just conform, seeking genuine answers help strengthen and cement one’s faith. Seeking knowledge, which is what we have been obligated to do requires asking questions and seeking answers; if such a search is preceded by sincere curiosity it opens doors to answers. Such sincerity is what can be said to be lacking in those who seek to ridicule and mock people of faith; their only goal is to ridicule so they stumble upon those things in religion that will cement their lack of faith even further because they lack insights as to context and nuance, or deliberately disregard such.

A lot of people sacrificed their lives, their wealth, their families, and their time to better humanity’s lot; convinced by nothing order than the conflict between the values and teachings of their faith and the conditions of fellow human beings. If you are not out to genuinely seek answers to better understand your fellow human being, out of respect for those men and women please tread your path and let those who choose to tread another path do so each convinced in their belief that their chosen path serves them best. As long as no one tries to force their values on you, let them be until you truly understand what motivates them.

Live and let live, but more importantly have informed opinions first before sharing.

SANAWUYA IS NOT A FREE FOR ALL

Like in politics, our penchant for disrespecting those we disagree with or those with whom we do not share similar values extends into the cultural sphere and that hits a chord. Disagreeing to something or not sharing similar values with the next person is not the issue; how far down the lane of disrespect that degenerates into is where the problem lies. Those who follow me on social media will notice that I take a swipe at my Jarranka cousins quite often with jokes. Some of my Badibunka/Kiangka friends engage in similar endeavors and it is always fun from all sides with responses along similar lines so much so people laugh at jokes made at their own expense.

On more than one occasion, some comments in response to such threads were so out of taste and insensitive that one could be excused for thinking they were made by non-Gambians. It is unfortunate that some Gambians, either out of ignorance or a sense of entitlement feel left out of such relationships and claim that should they join in that “battle of cousins” people will take offence, the insinuation slanting to the all too familiar culprit; tribalism; a sense of “we can’t join because we are not them.” It is really disheartening to see that almost everything in our little haven is being viewed through sectarian lenses, creating acrimony where none exists or should ever exist.

We should really take time to learn a little bit more about each other and do so with open minds. The concept of Sanawuya/Dangkutto is an age old tradition that has been at the core of Manding society in particular and generally in our region, some aspects of it cultivated later than others. It was such an important concept that it was incorporated into the Charter of Manding - the Kurugan Fuga. Article 7 of the charter states;

The Sanankunya/[Sanawuya] (joking relationship) and the Tanamannyonya/[Dangkutto] (blood pact) have been established among the Mandinka. Consequently, any contention that occurs among these groups should not degenerate the respect for one another being the rule. Between brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, between grandparents and grandchildren, tolerance should be the principle.

This was a document adopted in the 13th century, in addition to the safety cushion it provides to absorb some of the discontent within the community, it helps address issues of concern in a free and open environment. In essence, freedom of speech is enhanced, no holds barred. Which is why to balance it out, Sanawuya often goes alongside Dangkutto which provides parameters or limits which must not be crossed even in that environment. Sanawuya is highly regarded and holds a very special place in our culture.

The relationship exists between Jarra and Niumi. Kiang and Badibu share one, Badibunkas and Serahules, Jolas and Serers; the various regions of Manding; Kaabunkas and Jahankas, Mandinkas and Fulas (likely after the battle of Kansala) etc.

At the family level between cousins, grandchildren and grandparents, and people from families with certain last names. A grandchild can make fun of their grandparent and get away with it, within the bounds of respect of course. Insults and foul words are absolutely out of the question. You can mock, make fun of, or pick on a person you have a joking relationship with and they are required to laugh it off or respond in like measure but never respond in anger or take offence as one normally would.

Perhaps the most prominent and most outlandish is the Sanawuya between Jarra and Niumi; that one stretches the limits a little further but in good faith. As jovial as it is, the story that gave rise to the relationship, which goes along with the concept of Dangkutto is rooted in a very moving episode in history; one of courage, trust, and sincere goodwill, one borne out of genuine friendship and upright character.

The narrative has it that the King of Niumi and the King of Jarra made a pact that no true native of either of their kingdoms shall ever upset or give grief to a native of the other. They swore on their crowns and prayed for ill-fortune to descend on such an individual; being that the prayers were made with sincere intent, and being the conservative communities that both are, the natives dare not test fate.

This pact was initiated by Niumi Mans as a show of deep gratitude to Jarra Mansa who laid down his life for his counterpart; literally. To cut a long story short, the two kings amongst others went to declare their loyalty to the throne as subject kingdoms of the empire; on that expedition Niumi Mansa fell afoul of the throne (no he was not high) and was to be sentenced to death. He sought permission to return to Niumi and convey his fate, that request was deemed unusual, as a man sentenced to death would not be expected to return to have the sentence carried out after being let go of. Jarra Mansa stepped in and offered himself in the place of Niumi Mansa, that should Niumi Mansa not return, the sentence can be carried out on him and pleaded that Niumi Mansa be allowed to return to his people as requested.

Niumi Mansa returned home and came back just in time to avert the execution of Jarra Mansa; to this the emperor stated that these two are worth wearing the crown, for a man to have given his word and stood by it no matter how dire the circumstance, and for another to be so brave and compassionate enough to lay their life on the line for another is extraordinary, that it will be a waste to execute either of the men or end such a friendship. He offered his blessings and freed them to go back and rule their kingdoms. When they were about to part ways at the end of the return trip; they shook hands to bid farewell and in that moment the pact was made. 

A grateful Niumi Mansa, holding the Hand of Jarra Mansa stated; from this day forth should a son or daughter of Niumi cause grief to a son or daughter of Jarra, may it not be well for the culprit, a statement reciprocated by Jarra Mansa giving birth to the Sanawuya and Dangkutto between the two regions. In honor of their memories and sacrifices for one another, the people of these two regions still uphold that pact and you will be hard put to find a Jarranka who cannot get along with a Niuminka or vice versa. Lesson; if you witness them go at each other, stay out of it.

This form of societal set up offers the chance for people to be blunt with each other without risking angry retaliations. It is used as a means of mediation in times of dispute where your “Sanawo” (noun) can be called upon to deliver the truth that others may shy away from for fear of harming whatever relationship they may have with you. As a Sanawo, you have earned the privilege of not risking anything for speaking the hard truth. Also in cases where a person you share a joking relationship with is angry about something or someone, he or she has to let their anger go if the Sanawo ask them to. Of course the concept has been watered down so much in our time.

The art of Roasting, Blazing, or Clowning as practiced amongst black Americans is traced back to the concept of what is known as The Dozens. You are probably more familiar with “Yo’Mama” jokes, which is an aspect of Roasting. The Dozens was traced back to the plantations and with strong evidence of African origins. It is an aspect of Sanawuya that today is more prevalent among youngsters who still engage in the practice across West Africa. We know that component as Tombongdirro/Aaji wanteh; a children’s version if you like. Like in Sanawuya, you cannot engage in that art with just anyone, not especially with elders, it is a practice confined to age mates.

American sociologist Harry Lefever and journalist John Leland in writing about The Dozens stated that “other ethnic groups often fail to understand how to play the game and can take remarks in The Dozens seriously.” This can be attributed to their lack of understanding of the concept, its origins or purpose. In a similar case, if a non-native of any of the regions that share the Sanawuya/Dangkutto relationship should take part, they may easily get offended or go beyond the limits set for lack of understanding, that is not discriminatory in any way.

Asking simple questions without being overly sensitive usually clears things up and we should try to make that a habit; simple insightful questions devoid of sentiment, just seek answers then form an opinion, we will go much further and much faster too.

So don’t be like the Jarranka lady pretending to be all classy and informed but did not take long for her cover to be blown when offered a drink. “Mbaaring musso attaya felleh.”She responded; “Nteh buka hattayaa ming, n’ka worrko leh ming (I do not drink attaya, I drink warrga - same thing). Although you can’t blame her, Niumi attaya in many cases is especially strong, enhanced by a certain leaf added to the brewing, you know…

A MOMENT WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS

A picture speaks a thousand words. Moments captured in frames to last long after those who painted those pictures ascended away from our midst, generations later will look into those frames to behold definitive moments in days gone by that has impacted their lives in their own present time. It has been said that from little acorns oaks grow, from those individual frames a bigger picture emerged; these frames captured the defining moments of  history in the making; the birth of a new Gambia. This picture represents one of those frames, captured at the height of the resistance; the planting of the seeds from which will grow the giant we all behold in awe; the New Democratic Gambia thought impossible without bloodshed.

Every story has many players, but every story has heroes who take the lead, and with charisma attract followers and supporters. These faces are a representation of the many faces of defiance and steadfastness.

The wary look, the frustration, the concern and despondent look could easily be mistaken for a portrait of defeat and a sense of surrender. Like any great work of art, what lies hidden in the details is the steely resolve to never relent, the resolve to be unyielding, undeterred, unintimidated and unfazed. Here are elders with grandchildren and even great grandchildren with sleeves rolled up, bracing the heat and dust because they refuse indignity. These elders, who under normal circumstances should have been surrounded by their grandchildren with joy in their hearts and glee on their faces as they bear witness to their progeny taking steps towards stepping into their oversized shoes. Instead, they sacrificed those precious moments, all for country; treading the path of certain death or incarceration in a hellhole of indignity.

Concerned and frustrated sons and daughters will ask, then plead and even beg that they give it up; “It’s not worth it when those you are fighting for are sitting comfortably at home taking you for fools.” Their response; “We are doing it for you. We hadn’t had much growing up, it was a daily struggle each and every day, but we had dignity and freedom. That same dignity and freedom is what we are seeking to bequeath to you and those precious grandchildren, if it cost us our lives then we will rest well knowing you are free and dignified in your own land. We are glad that we will not be leaving orphans behind since you are all grown now and can manage on your own. We inherited a land of dignity and cohesive societies that is being ripped apart, we cannot betray the trust bequeathed to us, for what then will we tell those who left us with this land when we meet them as we are about to? We should at least refuse to be complicit, we owe it to you, your children and especially those before us, it is a trust and we owe a duty of care to fulfill that trust.”

Before all these attempts at discrediting these men and women of honor and what they gave for our collective well-being, there was a time when they represented hope. We heard instances in the past of such statements as; “Why is Darboe not calling his supporters to come out on the streets? This is the largest party in the country and it needs to assume leadership.” That was when the price was too dear with very few willing buyers; the price of taking on remorseless tyrant. But since it is Wanterr season now and everyone can afford an “item” or two, suddenly “there is no such thing as the biggest party.” All of a sudden the narrative has changed to claim all as heroes and none having sacrificed more than any other. Supposedly the sacrifices were to fulfill selfish political ambitions and not driven by a duty of care or by moral obligations; unfortunately it seems to be the politics of our age; win at all costs even at the expense of morals.

Your refusal to yield to pressure and take to the streets sooner than to claim Solo’s body speaks to your collective foresight and elderly wisdom, you have always been measured and calculating, never impulsive. Hindsight, we are grateful that you refused to yield to such pressure until the time was right. If we as a people, for the most part have shown anything consistently, it is to disown our very own when things heat up. Hindsight we know you would have been the sacrificial lamb and get no thanks for it safe from a few; take the case of Ebrima Solo; “he did it for UDP not The Gambia” so they say now. We are indeed an interesting people, especially those of us who consider ourselves ‘educated’ and politically aware.

Those of us who know you, even from afar thanks to shared norms know the values you espouse and are certain that such values are a guarantee to upholding our collective dignities as a people. Your selflessness will be written in songs of praise that will carry your names and your exploits into the distant future, your good legacies sealed never to be undone. What a tragedy it would have been if you had not lived to see the tyrant shamed and banished.

It is a tragedy that we view politics as requiring us to strip the opponent of all dignity and earned credits just to make our side look and feel good, so evident in the treatment of these noble souls.

Our hope is that no matter how opposed one may be to another person’s politics and policies, their good name can, at the very least be upheld by all. That will be the height of political maturity, but as it stands it seems good deeds only emanate from those we agree with. Claims of insincerity and ulterior motives are the explanations for the good deeds of those we are opposed to. Hopefully objectivity rules our assessment of others, eventually.

Fun Fact; the body of this article is exactly a thousand words.