Is someone spinning the narrative or covering up for a system unable to find its right footing? The surrogates are dishing the blame on each other’s political leaders, the diaspora is blaming the rainbow government, and Gambians at home are accusing the diaspora of attempting to remote control President Barrow and his Cabinet. Each is claiming ownership of the truth. Unfortunately, everyone cannot be right. So who is manipulating the truth?
Lets take a quick look at the most talked about tribal issue currently dominating the Gambian online discourse as a case in point. Many are rubbishing its ugly head’s presence in our mid by referencing how they are inter-related with our diverse people. I opted to use diverse people instead of tribe not only because that is how our national anthem revered us but its invocation of tolerance, acceptance and recognition of our cultural variety and beauty. Providently, Gambia has never registered a tribal conflict or cleansing but is that in itself a validation of its non-existence? I had, like most are claiming, private conversations with some of the renown activists who recently returned from gracing President Barrow’ inauguration and confirmed the lurking presence of tribal tension in the Gambia.
We also heard reports were a Jola vendor was harassed by a Mandinka lad and many came to her rescue by demonstrating to the attacker that Gambia belongs to all Gambians. If those who nipped the callous attack on the bud chose to pretend it wasn’t a tribal attack what would have been the consequences? Similar incidents were also reported and settled by the Coalition Mediation Committee. The recent attached on UDP militants by APRC also has an underlining tribal tone smeared all over it. Furthermore, by virtue of us just talking about its existence indicates an element of it presence. How about the disturbing audios circulating among us issuing callous tribal proliferation? So how can one honestly say there is no tribal issue fermenting in the Gambia?
The most fitting thing to do given the factual reality of our elephant in the cupboard is how do we efface or contain it. Instead of enlivening the proverbial ostrich, we should face our demon head on by initiating civic education programmes targeting our youth force who are the most vulnerable. With the right sensitisation programmes in forms of audio and visual shows, the issue will be eradicated rather than denying its existence. The denial corner is nothing but a gross disservice to country. Honest communications breeds appreciation and positive results.
Peace, security and stability are the pillars on which good governance and sustainable development are built. Unfortunately, the current indicators are creeping insecurity. The intermittent arm robberies in our boarder villages, murders and grievous bodily harms on our people are disheartening. Manjai Kunda and some parts of Bundung are degenerating into “No Go” areas as people are robbed and mobbed by criminal gangs. If the trend goes unchecked, the areas will become nurseries for breeding criminals in our backyards.
Another worrying fashion is how Gambian women are defacing one another over men. Some have been reported as pouring acid on their co-wives whereas others thought hot oil does the work better on the carefully chiselled stunning features of their co-wives. A few conclude, if they can’t have the “Prince” no one else will. As a result, they attempt to lure him into eternal sleep. Such barbaric headlines on our local newspapers are unsettling. Many are already accentuating that such vile acts were rarely visible during the monster’s era. So why are they resurfacing now when we are supposedly to be bashing in our new found freedom? No one is suggesting for the government to use unlawful means to arrest the situation but make suspects deservingly pay for their crimes.
Now that Mr President is back from his nationwide tour, we hope you will soon convene a cabinet meeting to address some of the salient issues such as security, electricity, water and appointment of a vice president. With that, have a blessed weekend.
Sulayman Jeng
Birmingham, UK
