As we progress into the year of National Dialogues which it is hoped will generate serious reflections on the burning issues of the day and usher in a new and more positive look at governance, peace building, national unity and national cohesion, the following points are advanced to enhance the national discourse and to excite a new governance landscape for political stability and economic progress of the country. It is a critical look at issues that matter for further consideration by the powers that may be at the helm of affairs in the functions of the State.
The past years have witnessed too many governance issues leading to several public outcries, frustrations and political anger etc, some of which are genuine by all accounts and some of which are ordinary public sentiments with no significant inputs in the development process. In the country’s crisis moments, certain attributes such as economic management, lack of a new constitution, alleged widespread corruption, tribalism and politicisation of many government appointments both in home service and in diplomatic assignments, high costs of living, delayed justice delivery, poor agriculture output, the political demonstrations against the system by rights organizations, the UDP petitions against the outcome of the 2021 elections, the Parliament rejection of both the 2020 and 2024 draft constitutions, etc to name a few have very much featured in the public discourse. The need therefore, for a new governance landscape to be reshaped effectively in public administration cannot be overemphasized. Such a review in an election year and in the spirit of advancing the country into prosperity, is both logical, politically expedient and necessary for sustainable development. As I see it, the fundamental problem in the governance outlook, is that those whose hands are in the basin, seem to be opposed to positive changes in the system and do not seem to welcome constructive ideas and views from experts and the experienced citizens outside of the system. Yet, the country is endowed with all the talents, professionalism and technocratic experience it takes to develop the country. These short-sightedness, weak public policy perspectives and selfishness in the system, have undermined the administrative capacity for strong, efficient and effective service delivery in many sectors of the economy. A Donor mission to the country at a meeting at the State House, had expressed similar sentiments on the limited administrative capacity which in their views, impedes efficient and effective service delivery. This is therefore a major issue in governance that cannot continue to be ignored by the executive. To move the country forward, administrative reform is either key or answer to sustainable development. Moving on however, let us first look at the political landscape of the country over the years. The political landscape has been confronted by democratic turmoils with the disintegration of the Coalition 2016 Agreements, lack of a National Concensus on a new constitution, elections victory flip flopping with the incumbent party winning the Presidential in 2021 and the main opposition UDP subsequently winning the Local government, the controversial Legislative debates on FGM, the hotly contested Ward elections in Kiang Massembe and elsewhere, the political demonstrations against the system, etc to name a few. It has not been a level playing (smooth) political field. But the patience and perseverance of Gambians sailed us through the democratic fragility periods. The largely peaceful nature and close family ties between Gambians, have contributed to the peace and stability of the society. This does not negate the need for reshaping the political landscape for democratic governance and political stability.
It must be realized that there is a new wave of generational consciousness that transcends parental control, religious control, regional and tribal boundaries that has bearing on the political landscape. Therefore, reshaping the governance environment to contain potential upheavals with the Youths is governance imperative. In the area of economic management, certain factors must be looked into as these impact on the daily lives of the people, economic growth and sovereign national wealth.
It is a widely held public view that the government has delivered massive infrastructure projects in roads, bridges, access to electricity supplies, schools, health centers, Universities, river transport, Ports development and others. Under normal circumstances, such a government has passed the test on the record of its achievements. The question therefore, is why are many Gambians expressing frustrations and anger with the governance environment even though there is democratic governance, rule of law and fundamental protection of human rights in the country. The number one concern is the Bread and Butter issue and that is the high costs of living. The excuse that other countries are experiencing the same situation is not valid because in reality, the economic circumstances are not the same. Reshaping the governance landscape to contain inflation and reduce burden on the people is a National responsibility. The government of the first republic built strong institutions of State and professionalized the service with merit-based appointments and promotions. The government also set up the National Trading Corporation (NTC) with outlets in all regions of the country and mandated it to import all essential commodities with the backing of the Central Bank in terms of its foreign exchange requirements and to sell such goods below the market prices. The measure ameliorated the costs of living and Gambians were able to gain accessible and affordable food commodities throughout the country. The government of the second republic used interventionist measures to contain inflation and control the foreign exchange rates throughout the country. In the new dispensation, adherence to the economic principles of free market economy or liberal economy became the order of the day even though, this did not augur well with the realities of a developing economy like ours in the Gambia. This is the crux of the problems of economic hardships experienced by the people. Many in society cannot now afford three meals a day due to rising costs of living. It carries political ramifications. The government must think hard on how to ease the burden on the people. It will be political miscalculation to down play this all important national concern. Reshaping the governance landscape to impact positively on the Bread and Butter issue is an economic management necessity. There is no doubt evidently that the visionary stance of HE the Excellency the President is to further develop the country. However, the lack of foresight on the part of certain sectors of the economy, tend to distort the development process. Hence the dire need for a reshape of the governance landscape for a responsive and inclusive growth to the benefits of the society. This is a National responsibility that cannot be sidelined especially as we approach the 2026 VOTE. The issues and concerns of the people that have featured so much in the public discourse must be seen as politically expedient to address in the public interest. Political accountability in this drive, cannot be limited to the Presidency, when state institutions and officials have been mandated for sector performances. In governance, when policy decisions and advises become defective and cause public resentments, then such institutions of State and their officials must be held accountable. There must be consequences in governance for wrong doings and poor performances of sectors. The general notion that nothing happens when things go wrong is killing the spirit of public accountability and system efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery. It continues to shed bad light on the governance outlook. The need therefore, in reshaping the governance landscape cannot be overemphasized. The call for system change is simply to transform the jangling discords of the Nation into formidable and positive outcomes for national development.
As part of the National Dialogues, it is advisable that the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs calls for a National Workshop on the economic situation of the country in which top retired National and International experts and those in the diaspora will be invited to help recommend measures that will uplift the economy into prosperity and ensure sustainable development for the common good. The outcomes will require strong political commitment and implementation of the recommendations of the Workshop by the government of the day. In this exercise, the issues of corruption, unemployment, weak Labour laws, accountability, transparency, domestic and foreign direct investments, loans and debt servicing, projects, protection of national sovereign wealth, etc among others can be included in the talks. Gambians were told earlier that 2026 was the year of actions. Work must begin in ernest.
The National Dialogues cannot be limited to peace building. It should reflect on the state of the Nation in all aspects so that ways can be found to move the country forward.
BY : D M. Badjie
Political Scientist / Commentator
