The first President of the republic wanted to step down from office after 30 years service to the Nation. However, those who were in the corridors of power, felt threatened that the sweetness of their offices would come to an end. Therefore, self- interest took precedence over the health of the President and the national democratic interest. They did all that was possible to convince the old man to remain as President of the republic. The end result was tragic political miscalculation with a military takeover that changed over the years, the social fabric of Gambian society. A lesson that the people of this country will never forget. In the African political system, self-perpetuating rule has always been a recipe for political chaos. In 2016, the Nation transitioned from dictatorship rule to democracy with a change of government. For the past ten years, the Nation has enjoyed democratic governance and witnessed massive infrastructure and social development projects across the country in all sectors of the economy. The government of His Excellency Adama Barrow has reinforced sustainable development and democracy, a good legacy that will remain forever in the history of the country. However, in an interview on QTV, the President said, in the NPP Congress held in Soma in 2025, his intention was to step down from office at the end of his second term but the Party members appealed for him not to step down because their Party was young . This was the same environment the first President of the republic announced his retirement from politics in the PPP Congress in 1992. The NPP is now to face the main opposition UDP and many other Parties and aspirants in the 2026 Presidential elections.
The signs of extended rule of leadership of the country have once again resurfaced in the democratic process. The verdict for the leadership of the country in the 2026 elections, is in the hands of the electorates. With the main opposition Party, the recent selection process of its flag bearer has raised eyebrows over its credibility in terms of its extended leadership and the political fracas it generated within the Party. Unless the Party is able to contain its fracture before 2026, there is the potential of the emergence of a new force from the Party that will no doubt put the whole political atmosphere in the country in a convoluted state. The danger of political miscalculation surrounds party politics in the country. The sad thing that is observed, is that there does not seem to be any engagement by any party on political environmental impact assessment for a proper strategic political mobilisation platform. If this trend continues, the political outcomes could send shocking waves in the democratic dispensation. In a battle for political survival in an atmosphere of increasing challenges in political leadership, the politics of the HEAD rather than the politics of the HEART will achieve political dividends in the contesting arena in 2026. The unpredictable attitudes of Gambian voters in the previous National and Local government elections points to the need for hard thinking in the political equation. Those who are unable to critically perceive the themes of national concerns and to provide possible solutions that will attract the trust, confidence and attention of the electorates, will be carried along in the wake of change. Political miscalculation is a recipe for political tragedy in any election.
Two things have come out clear in the history of the country. The political leadership has become a CULT. Tribalism and commercialization of politics have become a norm in the democratic system. A breakthrough in this scenario in 2026 will be a political miracle and revolution of political conscience.
BY D.M. Badjie
Political Scientist / Commentator
Tribute
#Bravo thank you to GCCi outgoing president -Mr Edrissa Mass Jobe!
Dearest Brother and distinguished friend, Mr. Edrissa Jobe,we extend our heartfelt congratulations and deepest gratitude for your remarkable six-year tenure as a visionary, trailblazing, and empathetic leadership as President of The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industries (GCCI).
Your leadership has been nothing short of transformative, leaving an indelible mark on the GCCI and the broader business landscape of The Gambia.
Through your unwavering commitment, you have introduced groundbreaking innovations, strengthened the GCCI’s sustainability, and enhanced its business infrastructure and platforms.
Your foresight and brilliance have reinvigorated the private sector’s value chain, meaningfully uplifting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
By fostering an environment of growth and empowerment, you have elevated the actors and agents (Particularly our Youths and Wonen) within our ecosystem, ensuring their success and resilience.
You are a true inspiration, a fine and brilliant gentleman whose leadership carries, inspires, and uplifts everyone around you.
Your profound insights, forward-thinking vision, optimism and steadfast dedication to The Gambia, Pan-Africanism, and the betterment of the human condition embody the principle of being each other’s keeper.
Your legacy is unparalleled, and your contributions have positioned the GCCI for greatness and enduring value creation.
We honor and celebrate you as one of the greats of our dearest Mother Gambia, your name etched among the select few who have shaped our nation’s progress.
With immense appreciation and gratitude, we thank you for your extraordinary service and wish you boundless success, health, and fulfillment in all your future endeavors.
With utmost respect and admiration,
Your Brother,
Amb.Prof. Muhammadou M.O.Kah, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Gambia to Switzerland and Permanent Representative to UNOG,WTO and Other International Organizations in Switzerland
