He’s just been named The Gambia’s Young Hero 2013 in online poll, carried out by What’s On-Gambia.  The country’s leading entertainment magazinereceived more than 9,000 votes, many of them coming from Gambians in the diaspora. Samsideen Phatey got 41.06% of the vote, beating the likes of runner-up Mariama Colley, footballer Tijan Jaiteh and international model Gina Manneh. 

The 24-year-old, famed for promoting youth activism and participatory politics, was a hugely popular choice.  The following is an exclusive excerpt from the conversation we had with him; 

What’s On-Gambia: Congratulations! How does it feel to be the Young Hero 2013?

Samsideen: It feels really good and the nomination itself took me by surprise but being awarded the Young Hero 2013 is not a win but a challenge. 

Can you please tell our readers a little about yourself?

Well, I'm Sheriff Samsideen Phatey. Born and raised in Brikama, The Gambia. I was born into a political family by my dad being a former Governor (Commissioner) and Legislator. I currently live in the United States and I am an activist, lobbyist, conflict analyst and political strategist. 

When did you move to the USA and why? 

I moved to the United States in early 2008. Part of the reasons for my relocation is to pursue a career in diplomacy, negotiation and other international and foreign relations services. I wanted to develop my skills in areas such as national security, international trade and commerce. Most importantly, Africa is relying heavily on foreign aid and with ongoing conflict, I felt the need to join some other young Africans who want to acquire the knowledge to manage Africa's resources and use it as leverage to better our people and be able to manage, resolve and prevent conflict in the region. The very reason, why I received training from the American Military University and the United States Institute of Peace. 

Are you going to school now? 

Yes I am. I am currently doing a program with the American Military University in Intelligence Analysis and in Spring I should be doing a certificate program in International Economics at Harvard University. 

Did you say Harvard University? 

 (Laughs) Yes, Harvard University. I will be doing the program through the Harvard Extension School. 

Ok. You're married with two kids. What is your response to people who think you got married too soon? 

Marriage is never an obstacle to someone's success in life. True, it is challenging but that is what responsibility is. Having your own kids calling you daddy is not just cute, it feels right, it feels good and having such responsibility only makes me stronger, more focused, more determined. It made me broke the barriers I doubted I would even break. In the pursuit to give your family the best, you learn and nothing has given me a better insight and thoughtful lesson of life, love and responsibility than being a man responsible for a family - to feed, love, and care for and provide their basic needs and even more. I would say it is a lesson from my father. 

Do you have ambitions to become a politician? 

Not a politician but I have ambitions to become a high level lobbyist on Capitol Hill, a crisis manager and a diplomat. Anything close to being a politician will be a legislator. I like to engage and to get engaged. So I will be best at engaging governments, duty bearers, stakeholders and young people. Activism is the way for me. 

I will not rule out being a politician. You never know! 

What do you think of the government back home? 

The Government back home has made progress in certain areas. But there are still so many challenging issues that need to be addressed, especially when it comes to social justice and economic well-being. I feel there is a miss-prioritization of programs and policies, and an oversight in addressing certain basic issues. 

So if you could speak to president Jammeh what would you say to him? 

 (Laughs) I would simply tell him from an analytical perspective, giving him facts and projections and presenting precedents and recommendations, of what I believe is missing and what needs to be done to address issues that the country is facing nationally and even within the international community,  while equally giving weight to the progress made and how to solidify such progress. 

Addressing issues like human rights and social justice, constitutionality, the economy, healthcare and agriculture will help The Gambia and the people and will give Gambia leverage in the family of nations and a huge voice and respectable position in the international community. 

Are you a cyber-warrior? 

I am not a cyber-warrior. I'm an activist - a lobbyist. Well, I use whatever I have to strategically engage whoever I want to engage no matter how long it takes for you to respond. On Christmas day, I was watching the cartoon movie of Moses with my sons. God gave Moses a staff to engage Pharaoh and free his people. I do not have a staff, but I have my laptop, my papers, my pens, my legs, my hands, my brain, my eyes, my skills, my knowledge, anything to use different ways to engage my government in a respectful and meaningful way that will yield results. 

Two media houses were asked to reopen. Don't you think Jammeh is now introducing reforms? 

The media house opening is a great result of high level advocacy in a mature manner. He did the right thing to get them to reopen but he should allow separation of power to flourish, not for him to be the whistleblower as to what opens and what closes. One should be very open to criticism. Believe me or not, criticism is the ingredient that is most needed to be successful and as a leader, it does not matter if that criticism is constructive or not. Pick the sense out of the nonsense and throw the rest in the dustbin. Then move on. It makes you a better, smarter and more successful leader who will be admired by all and referenced in the books of history. With proper engagement, reforms will come, not just the opening of the two media houses, there are a lot more important things that needs to be reformed - from the media laws to economic and spending reforms. 

Is it safe to say that the opposition is running out of fuel? 

I would not conclude that they are running out of fuel. Politics is a very funny arena. But the truth is, they need to re-strategize and reorganize themselves in line with current political situations in the country. They need to go back to the drawing board and assess what their strengths and weaknesses are and the areas of opportunities. While they harness and solidify their strength, they must work on averting their weaknesses into their strongest weapon and make best use of the opportunities they have by not only being engaging but defying against all odds to things that are clearly justified. 

Is that possible, after many years of deep divisions? 

I will not rule out a possibility but they must remember, a huge damage has been done to their reputation since 2006. They will need to manage that as a crisis by itself yet having to go defy against all odds to things that are justified will be one of the best routes that could be taken by any opposition party that wants to solidify itself, gain popular support, restore and rebuild confidence. 

If any party can do this, they will engage government and they will bring the government to the table, whenever, however, and wherever they want it. Do they know this, may be? Are they scared of defying justified odds? No, but they are scared of prison. Who knows that? The ruling party. So they will use it as leverage against the opposition. Come on, that is political tactics. They need to strategize. 

Fatou Camara, a former Director of Press at the State House, is now a political activist. What is your take on that? 

Fatou is an independent lady who reserves the right to do whatever she wishes. She chooses to be a political activist and that is great and welcoming. It all depends on how she wants to do this. She can do it in a mature manner which would engage the Gambia Government and influence the international community. 

You must study hard, build cases, gets facts, present them well with the right terms and diction. She can be instrumental due to the position she held but she must be mindful of how she engages herself into political activism. I will encourage her to be rational and to use perspective. 

What do you mean by to be rational and to use perspective? 

To become an effective activist, lobbyist or even a negotiator, you must be able to acknowledge the other party's success, while criticizing their failures. Most importantly, you must be ready to acknowledge your own mistakes and faults as well. While you task others to be responsible, you must task yourself as well and be open to criticism and accountability. One thing for sure, if you want the other party to even consider what you are saying, as long as your criticize them and their policies, programs and actions, those criticisms should be accompanied by recommendations and resolutions that are realistic. 

Why do you think the cyber-warriors are not ready to give up their comfortable lives abroad and return to confront the current government? 

The activists have to equally go back to point A and re-strategize, rethink. We tend not to have the right base approach. Do not rule out all options. We cannot advocate from an angry and bitter perspective. We cannot take things personally. We must know that bitterness is like cancer. It eats upon the host. But anger is like fire. It burns it all clean. It is wise to direct your anger towards problems - not people; to focus your energies on answers - not excuses. 

Mark Twain said that: "Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured." We cannot advocate for change and be angry and be personal. Anger and bitterness should not overshadow love. If it does, it takes away our spirituality and strength and unity. Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 73, #135 said: "The strong person is not the good wrestler. Rather, the strong person is the one who controls himself when he is angry." 

Anybody can become angry — that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way — that is not within everybody's power and is not easy. 

Are you still associating with youth groups in The Gambia? 

Yes I am still working with youth groups in the Gambia. Youth groups have thought me a lot and they still continue to play a critical role in my life and its adventures. 

Your childhood friend, ST is now one of the big rappers in the country. Are you a fan? 

I am a huge fan of Gambian Music and of course I am a fan of ST. I still have his first single Who's ST in my iPod and I vividly remember the verse where he said: "I will put your head in a casket instead of a basket." (laughs) That was rhythmical and rhyming yet it was still comical if I have to beef with someone and I tell you "I will put your head in a casket instead of a basket." You can't fire back in a rap battle when I spit a verse like that. I will win. 

What's next for you? Anything exciting in the pipeline? 

What is next for me is far from politics. What is next for me is not to sit around and wait for some politician or policy maker to come change things. Nope! We have to be the change ourselves. So I am going into business to help create jobs and put more youths to work and help them earn a living and live their dreams and take care of their families. So I have plans to open electronic businesses in The Gambia and to invest in the county's music industry and change it from charity music to a profitable and internationally recognized brand. 

Nice. Any message for your supporters? 

It is very hard to say something special to such wonderful, loving, caring people who support me. They are the very pillars upon which I stand. They are the very foundation upon which I rest. I cannot do what I do without all of you and if not for you all, I will not be doing what I do today. 

My supporters are unique and one of a kind. My childhood friend, Mariam out of nowhere swept the polls, and they started calling me and I said ok, we will work on it put that means we have to vote. Before I knew it, I was back in the lead. This shows their level of support, trust and love they have for me. I will keep making you all proud. You are all my motivation, my inspiration and my source of energy. If I was a plant, you are my sunshine. You all brighten by day like the stars twinkle and brighten the night sky. You make me want to feel like a wolf in a full moon. You guys rock and I love you! 

What is your New Year’s resolution? 

My new year’s resolution is to be the change I can be. Support our communities and play my role in making a better Gambia. It is a journey that will make me stand up and speak up for Gambian youths and help address their plights and well-being, while engaging them as well. 

Thank you for your time and congratulations once again? 

It is a pleasure and thank you so much. I want to say congrats to all of the nominees. We are all winners. This was not a competition. This is very inspirational, especially for the fact that it followed a democratic process. I want to thank What’s On-Gambia and whoever nominated me. I am dying to know who this person is. Thank you to all my supporters.