Dear Future President of The Gambia,
Do you believe that one day The Gambia will have a female president? While that vision is still a journey ahead, let us turn our attention to the successor of His Excellency President Adama Barrow. I encourage you to reflect deeply on these biblical quotes: "For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: He putteth down one, and setteth up another." (Psalm 75:6-7). Additionally, consider this: “Judah, you are he whom your brothers shall praise; your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; your father’s children shall bow down before you.” (Genesis 49:8-10).
Politics is the only profession where you can lie, cheat, and steal, and still be respected. As we find ourselves at a crucial juncture in our nation’s journey, I feel a strong urge to connect with you, the leader who will steer us into a promising new chapter. The upcoming presidential election in 2026 isn’t just another political event; it’s a true reflection of the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of the Gambian people. Gambians have awakened, and they’re ready for change. However, the road to your leadership will be filled with challenges that call for unity, vision, and resilience.
The United Democratic Party (UDP) has stepped up as the largest opposition party, but it’s clear they can’t bring about this change on their own, especially with Lawyer Ousainou Darboe leading the charge. The political scene in The Gambia is intricate, and the ruling National People's Party (NPP) under President Adama Barrow has firmly established its grip on power. To make real progress, a coalition of opposition parties is more than crucial. As the esteemed sociologist Max Weber once said, “Politics is a strong and slow boring of hard boards.” This quote perfectly captures the tough journey ahead. It will take patience, strategy, and teamwork to break down the existing power structures.
In my book, The Throne of The Ghost, I stated that leaders are chosen by God, not people. People can only vote for, recommend, or elect a leader. Here are 15 urgent and pressing actions that the new president of The Gambia should prioritize within the first 100 days in office, based on current challenges facing the country:
1. Enhance National Security: Strengthen the capacity of the Gambian Armed Forces and the police to address rising crime rates and ensure the safety of citizens. This includes improving training, resources, and community policing initiatives.
2. Revamp the Education System: Implement reforms to improve the quality of education, including curriculum updates, teacher training, and increased funding for schools. Focus on making education accessible to all, especially in rural areas.
3. Improve Healthcare Services: Address the deficiencies in the healthcare system by increasing funding for hospitals and clinics, ensuring the availability of essential medicines, and improving healthcare infrastructure.
4. Stimulate Economic Growth: Develop a comprehensive economic recovery plan that focuses on job creation, support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and attracting foreign investment to diversify the economy.
5. Address Housing and Land Issues: Implement policies to ensure affordable housing and secure land tenure for citizens. This includes addressing land disputes and promoting sustainable land use practices.
6. Tackle Unemployment: Launch initiatives aimed at reducing youth unemployment, such as vocational training programs, entrepreneurship support, and partnerships with the private sector to create job opportunities.
7. Establish a New Cabinet: Form a cabinet composed of individuals with no ties to the previous administrations of Barrow or Jammeh to ensure a fresh start and restore public trust in governance.
8. Review Civil Servant Salaries: Conduct a comprehensive review of wages, payroll, and salaries for civil servants to ensure fair compensation and improve morale within the public sector.
9. Introduce the State House Presidential Scholarship Program: Create a scholarship program to support talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds, enabling them to pursue higher education both locally and abroad.
10. Maintain ECOMOG Presence: Ensure that ECOMOG soldiers remain in The Gambia until a thorough assessment of the security situation is conducted, and a transition plan is established.
11. Revisit the Constitution: Initiate a constitutional review process to ensure that power is decentralized and that governance reflects the will of the people, promoting democratic principles.
12. Decentralize Development Programs: Implement a strategy to decentralize development initiatives, allowing local governments to have a greater role in decision-making and resource allocation.
13. Reform State-Owned Enterprises: Conduct an audit of state-owned enterprises and institutions to identify inefficiencies and implement reforms aimed at improving their performance and accountability.
14. Combat Drug Trafficking and Corruption: Strengthen anti-corruption measures and enhance law enforcement capabilities to combat drug trafficking and corruption, which undermine governance and public trust.
15. Improve Water and Electricity Supply: Address the challenges related to water and electricity supply by investing in infrastructure, promoting renewable energy sources, and ensuring equitable access for all citizens.
These actions are critical for addressing the pressing issues currently affecting The Gambia and will set the foundation for a more prosperous and stable future.
Do not fall for the bells and whistles. People are graduating Harvard, but our PhD holders are bringing certificates from Jarra Soma.
Gambians are longing for a leader who embodies integrity, vision, and the ability to bring us together. The future president must understand that true leadership isn’t just about holding a position of power; it’s about serving the people. As political theorist John Locke wisely noted, “The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.” Your mission will be to enhance the freedoms of all Gambians, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. While people still claimed that nobody knows the meaning of 'Aliif Laam Miim,' people will doubt you to the maximum. Gambians are very difficult to be led. Do not be too strict, but don't also be too nice. But remember, you'll lead both genies and human beings. For the fact that you see the unseen; don't ever argue with professors who have not even created a chewing factory for The Gambia.
The journey to the presidency isn’t just about having good intentions. The political scene is filled with hurdles, and it’s essential for the opposition to tackle these challenges with both wisdom and foresight. Building a coalition is absolutely vital. As political psychologist Robert Cialdini pointed out, “The ability to influence others is a function of the ability to create a sense of unity.” This sense of unity needs to go beyond party affiliations because the future of our nation relies on working together and having common goals.
In this light, it’s important to grasp the dynamics of power and how the electorate thinks. The Gambian people aren’t just sitting on the sidelines; they’re actively involved in shaping their own future. Political scientist David Easton once said, “Politics is the authoritative allocation of values for a society.” The values that will shape your presidency should resonate with what the people aspire to. It’s crucial to listen to their concerns, understand their challenges, and present a vision that sparks hope and motivates action.
Here’s a text to analyze: The future president of The Gambia is somewhat familiar to the Gambian people, but perhaps not intimately known. There’s a palpable sense of anticipation, a hope that the right leader will step up to steer us through these challenging times. As I ponder the current political scene, I can’t help but think of psychologist Carl Jung’s words: “The greatest and most important problems of life are all fundamentally insoluble. They can never be solved but only outgrown.” This idea really highlights how crucial it is for us to grow—both as individuals and as a community—as we tackle the intricacies of governance and leadership.
As you get ready to take on this leadership role, I encourage you to focus on building a coalition with opposition parties. This alliance will not only bolster your position but also show the Gambian people that unity is achievable. The obstacles we face are significant, but they’re not impossible to overcome. Together, we can carve out a path toward a brighter future.
In conclusion, I want to stress that the future of The Gambia is in your hands. The road ahead will demand courage, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to the values of democracy and justice. As you step into this new role, keep in mind the words of South African writer Alan Paton: “Cry, the beloved country, for the unborn child that is the inheritor of our fear. Let him not love the earth too deeply. Let him not laugh too gladly when the water runs through his fingers, nor stand too silent when the setting sun makes red the veld with fire.”
May your leadership shine as a beacon of hope for all Gambians, guiding us toward a future brimming with promise and potential.
Warm regards,
Modou Lamin Age-Almusaf Sowe
Gambian Creative Writer
