Following December 2016 Presidential Elections, the ‘New Gambia’ was shaped; it was a hard-won freedom. Thus we have transitioned from dictatorship to emerging democracy.
Out of concerns and experience grew determined hope that dictatorship could be destroyed; unbelievably brave men and women of The Gambia waged a successful struggle against dictatorship! This was a huge success!
It’s two years since the liberation from dictatorship and the so-called beginning of the New Gambia. We must all reflect on whether it has “translated into real improvement of the living conditions” of our people. Is the foundation being laid for “the better future” for our children, is the right policies put in place?
Today, principles of democracy and human rights are observed in the ‘New Gambia’. However, there are exceptions; unfortunately, some of the past is still with us.
Regardless of that, we quite optimistic that democracy will thrive in our great nation. We are willing to see all civic liberties being guaranteed without the interference of the state authorities. All rights to be guaranteed!
However, the revolution of December 2016 would be meaningless if the conditions of living remain deplorable. Two years is not two days; of course it is also not two decades but that’s no reason for inaction. After two years, we believe the signs are writ large: The struggle continues.
“Always remember that the people are not fighting for ideas, nor for what is in men’s minds. The people fight and accept the sacrifices demanded by the struggle in order to gain material advantages, to live better and in peace, to benefit from progress, and for the better future of their children.
National liberation, the struggle against colonialism, the construction of peace, progress and independence are hollow words devoid of any significance unless they can be translated into a real improvement of living conditions”. (Amilcar Cabral)