In events involving hundreds of people, a single image of a single person can often capture the spirit of the moment.
So it is with the ongoing political disturbances. Opposition leader Lawyer Darboe might be enjoying an increasingly rare public vote of confidence, but as his sympathizers defiantly show up in protests at the court proceedings, one young woman has unexpectedly drawn attention.
She’s Sukai. In the past few weeks, a photo showing her donned like a man and holding two large plastic spoons was shared online by hundreds of Gambian social media users. Some of them described her as the bravest woman in the country for daring to openly criticize the current government.
According to Suntou Touray, a prominent diaspora UDP executive member, Sukai is an ordinary woman who feels strongly about the rights of women to participate in politics and be a voice for social change.
“The arrest and alleged torture of Gambian women at the hands security officers is something that outraged her,” Suntou said, adding: “Like all other women who are protesting they want to see violence never be a part of our politics. Sukai along with other women UDP members are arousing the conscience of Gambian people.”