Gambians
demonstrated political maturity yesterday when thousands took to the streets on
protest between Sting Corner and Denton Bridge. The protest staged by the
Operation 3 Years Jotna, the pressure group that demands President Barrow to
step down after three years.
We
thank the Almighty Allah for a peaceful and successful conduct of the protest.
Just
three years after the country emerged from 22 years of brutal dictatorship, our
democracy is still at its formative stage. It is therefore, important to always
nurture peace in the exercise our democratic rights without interference.
In
the petition handed over to Ebrima G. Sankareh Government spokesman for onward
delivery to the President, members of 3 Years Jotna indicated that President
Barrow’s three years coalition agreement would end on 19 January and if he
fails to resign they will take to the streets again. We hope and pray that
peace and tranquility also prevail.
With
the successful conduct of yesterday’s peaceful protest, we should congratulate
ourselves for exercising political maturity.
Peace
and stability are indispensable in any country’s development. We should always
put it at the back of our minds that conflicts will always bring the country to
a standstill; result in the collapse of our economy.
Let’s
put the interest of the country first by adhering to the rule of law. We must
also respect the Constitution of the country, which says election every five
years, meaning 2021, which is not too long to wait when electorates go to the
polls to vote for the candidate of their choice.
Let’s
work for the development of the Nation. Politics come and go, but relationships
stay. Therefore, politics should not make us enemies.
Let’s
put our collective effort to the development of the country because The Gambia
is the only asset we have.
Let’s
always remember that our democracy is very young and so it should not be
destroyed by disgruntled elements.
Let’s
pray for peace in the next round of protest slated for 20 January.
Let’s
pray that the President engages in dialogue with leaders of coalition and
members of 3 Years Jotna to amicably address this issue, which has the
potential to land the country in trouble.
Finally,
we want to applaud the security for a job well done- their sense of
professionalism and maturity, taking into account the sea of people before them
at the Denton Bridge.
“To
make mistakes is human; to stumble is commonplace; to be able to laugh at yourself
is maturity.”
William
Arthur Ward
