The Civil Society Organizations (CSO) and cross- section of Gambians, Saturday commemorated December 1, dubbed ‘national democracy day’ at the faculty of law.
The celebration was held under the theme: “building and strengthening inclusive and accountable democracy and good governance in The Gambia.”
Addressing the gathering, the chairman of TANGO, Mr. John Charles Njie described the forum as significant as he said “it was the day the Gambians decided to turn back from tyranny to democracy.”
But blamed those whom he said were criticizing the decisions and acts of the former government “are now defending and justifying the same acts that this regime is doing.”
“It’s more heartbreaking that some of the people who were criticizing the decisions and actions of the former government are now defending and justifying the same acts. This shows that some among us lack the integrity and moral authority to lead,” he said.
He then added: “For two years we have seen who are they [the current government] really are. Our politicians have lift-up to the reputation of being people of untruth and defending the indefensible and threatening to undermine the bread foundation that put them into power.”
He reveals that the government has involved into practices that wondered the masses whether they [the government] really understand the conditions that the country encountered in the past and the current challenges affecting the populace.
Njie commended the government for allowing freedom of expression of the critical views, but urged them to “realize that leadership in a democratic society must be in such manner.”
Njie asserted that involvement of non state actors in the decision making process is quite commendable while called for strengthening the move, adding that instituting security reform and the Commissions are mechanisms to ensure that the sustainable development goals are attained.
Madi Jobarteh, a representative of Freedom of Association Network said freedom of association should enhance, adding that the public should come together to express themselves and challenge other issues to ensure that human rights are protected, sustained good governance and democracy.
He revealed that the network is task to sensitize the masses to ensure their understandings of freedom of assemble is legimated, democratic and non violence action, and a tool for the citizenry.
“Anywhere in the world, citizens engage in none violence actions in order to bring change, to ensure good governance and make justice to government as well as CSO or private sector when they involve into unethical practices,” he said.
Author: Sulayman Waan & Fatoumatta Gassama
