By Madi Jobarteh
In seven days, Gambians will mark February 18 as the 60th Independence Day. The Government will spend millions of dalasi to celebrate the day in grand style.
In the first place, EFSCRJ holds that the Gambia’s actual date of independence is April 24, 1970. We hold that February 18, 1965, only established the Gambia as a colonial dominion under the British Empire with internal self-rule status. In the coming days, we will share provisions of the 1965 Constitution to show that legally, politically, and institutionally, the Gambia was a British dominion from 1965 to 1970.
Notwithstanding, as the Government and the people are poised to mark 60 years of ‘Independence’ on February 18, we note with sadness that the Gambia remains a highly indebted, impoverished, and least developed country where the social and economic well-being of the people is dire. Corruption and gross inefficiency characterize the public sector, where institutions have continued failing to provide adequate, affordable, and quality goods, services, and life-changing opportunities for our people for the past 60 years.
In the meantime, public officials continue to acquire all manner of incentives and benefits such as high allowances, gratuities, pensions, non-monetary materials, and immunities and powers that they couch in law. This reality shows that for the past 60 years, the Government of the Gambia has existed only for the officials who occupy it. The nation’s wealth continues to benefit public officials more than the sovereign citizens in whose name and will the State derive its legitimacy, authority, and power and for whose welfare public institutions and officials should perform their functions.
As a republican institution, EFSCRJ notes with disquiet how, for the past 60 years, this country has been led by only three presidents, indicative of self-perpetuating rule. During this period, not only have the people endured excruciating poverty and deprivation but also suffered incredible injustices, inequity, and violations, including a 22-year brutal reign of terror under the AFPRC/APRC regime led by Yaya Jammeh. This unfortunate reality indicates the failure of elected and appointed public officials to place this country on the path of good governance and sustainable development as required by law.
Considering the foregoing, EFSCRJ stands against any celebrations on February 18. At a time when many citizens are suffering and dying due to corruption, lack of opportunities, and poor social services, the country needs everything else other than a celebration. Instead, we call for serious national conversations nationwide to reflect on our journey as a nation. We hold that such discussions are necessary to identify the root causes underpinning the underdevelopment and misgovernance of the country and find solutions for building a lasting and durable democratic republic capable of fulfilling the aspirations of citizens.
