By Sulayman Jeng, Birmingham
Mba kook…President Barrow ya boys leh koteng. Sometimes in my quest to unrestrainedly understand the rationale of utterances that leave me dazed, I strive to take a quick walk in the person’s mind-set. True, under an ideal and healthy political dispensation, no one would have faulted President Barrow’s admittance that Lawyer Darboe is his father and political godfather. His invocation of the Mandinka dictum that “When one father’s die, there is nothing one can do about it but when one’s father’s compound stands in ruins that punctuates one’s ineptness is equally valid. What actually left me cold was its context, timing and insinuation given the murky political climate hovering over new Gambia. If my inferences are anything to go by, President Barrow is not only insensitive to the brewing political tension under his watch but a mediocre political Muppet.
At this stage, he was expected to debunk the unprecedented accusation and counter accusation, looming tribal politics and chilling profanity shelled at party leaders which will detox the unhealthy political climate. But his youthful pouring out of the heart in praise of Lawyer Darboe only validated his sceptics’ allegations. Perhaps, he meant well but the timing just isn’t appropriate. Many are now left pondering will he efficiently, effectively and impartially treat all his coalition 2016 leaders with the same yardstick?
Party surrogates. What about them? They invoke those merchants who ruthless enter a free market buy out their competitors even if it means deleting them.
Competition breeds efficiency but when it turns nasty, it must be regulated. Honestly, I do not buy the notion that there is something not adding up between Hon Lawyer Darboe and Hon Halifa Sallah. For them, the two personified Tom and Jerry. Privately, I don’t know but from their public interaction, I have not notice any animosity in their body language and conversations. Besides, the two are responsible adults who can settle their own differences without anyone dragging their reputation in the mud. We draw daggers aiming for each other’s throat because I say Halifa this and you say Darboe that while they are amicably getting on well. It is understandable when someone rubbishes you, it is appropriate to defend your integrity responsibly but descending into profanity and unsubstantiated allegations is immoral and unacceptable. Let our our elders resolve their differences in the traditional and ethical way. Moreover, they are humans with frailties. Rever but do not mystify them.
Tribal politics and tribalism. Is UDP the only party which has tribalist supporters? Oh hell no. Almost every Gambian has a trait of tribalism in him or her. For some, theirs is dormant and rarely rekindled while other’s are active and vile. Like the caste system which prevented us from inter-marrying is gradually laid to rest, so will tribalism if it is unanimously tackled with maturely, sincerely and honestly instead of aportioning blame to one another. It will foolhardy to dismiss tribalism in our midst as trivial. The imams and priests must also step in to address the demon.
Yesterday, Fanta Darboe Jawara reawakened a sleeping monster. As we walked with her through her horrific ordeal, nothing was more just than closing down Mile II and bringing to just all who contributed in her nightmarish experience. Hers was a tip of the iceberg according to her when contrasted with others who the public never heard or seen of enduring years of barbaric dehumanisation under our security forces. I am looking forward to an interesting chat with Hon Mai Ahmed Fatty tomorrow in London.
Mr President, until tomorrow again nin buwaalu mang Allah domo, have a blessed day.
