Last Friday, as the world woke up to the horrifying images of a shooting in a mosque in New Zealand. In The Gambia, the future of our democracy has been clouded once more, by a series of domineering actions of President Adama Barrow. Dictatorial propensities are been manifested on every move in his administration. We are not going to stand idly by and watch him time-travel us back to the dark days of Jammeh's era. For we have decided!
The political animal’s sacking of his political godfather and other UDP members from various executive and legislative positions is not an attack exclusive to UDP. It’s an affront to our democracy as a whole, not because it's constitutionally right or wrong, but morally illogical.
This is a democracy we all fought so hard for and in the process so many died. Barrow administration should've focused its energy on healing the divides and getting the basics right for our country. Instead, the so called “bus driver" is overwhelming himself with political calculations to staying longer.
It is apparent, now more than ever that the days of proverbs and sign languages are gone. Barrow is now speaking to us in a language we can fully understand - If I can uproot the tree without consequences. Then certainly, no questions would be raised for trimming the leaves or cutting its branches.
Hon. Darboe and UDP might have made some political fiascos in the past by emboldening the president during a time they thought Barrow was their Barrow, and Darboe was even willing to go to court, had the coalition agreement was to be respected or binding upon the president. I’m not sure if that’s his stand on the matter today - Let's always stand for WHAT is right, not WHO is. Besides, we can’t afford to hold that against the UDP. Especially, in a time we are constantly reminded of the threat of losing it all.
Now is the time for our nation to unite beyond party or tribal lines and wake up to the alarm of a common danger. Considering the fragile state of our democracy, snoozing the alarm could be somewhat costly. No Gambian shall ever be exiled or have to pay the ultimate price for speaking out and standing up for what s/he thinks is right–for we have decided!
Written by Buhari Jeng Jr
England