UDP"s Favoritism And Unequal Treatment of Gambians Exposed

By Alagi Yorro Jallow

Discrimination, Bias, and the Unequal Treatment of Gambians in International Opportunities. The ongoing issue of selective justice and bias in Gambian society is a significant barrier to national unity, particularly in the critical domain of international representation. It is deeply troubling that Gambians are not treated as equals in nominations and support for esteemed global positions. Instead, political allegiances, personal biases, and hypocrisy overshadow the essential principles of fairness and meritocracy. A recent example starkly illustrates this troubling pattern: the United Democratic Party (UDP) fervently backed Abubacarr Tambadou for the prestigious role of Judge at the International Court of Justice, a decision that was widely heralded as a source of national pride. In stark contrast, this enthusiasm was conspicuously absent when Dr. Mamadou Tangara, the country's Foreign Minister, was nominated for the position of Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. Instead of rallying support, significant opposition emerged from certain factions, including UDP supporters and surrogates, despite Dr. Tangara’s outstanding contributions to Gambian diplomacy.

This inconsistency raises a crucial question: why this double standard? Is it merely a reflection of political affiliation or blatant favoritism? If Abubacarr Tambadou, despite his controversial exit from government service, can garner widespread support, why did Dr. Tangara face hostility for seeking a position that would elevate The Gambia’s global standing? This troubling disparity not only deepens divisions but also undermines the very essence of national unity. The repercussions of such bias extend well beyond individual candidates. A culture of exclusion not only inflicts harm on those directly involved but also tarnishes the nation’s reputation and deprives it of crucial opportunities for enhancing its global influence. By failing to support competent Gambians for international roles, we are limiting our collective ability to contribute meaningfully to global discourse and pursue our national interests. It is imperative to recognize that this selective approach to international nominations erodes the sense of shared purpose among Gambians. True progress can only be realized when political loyalties are set aside, and every citizen is afforded an equal opportunity to excel based on merit. A national commitment to prioritizing qualifications, achievements, and merit over political affiliations in the nomination and support of Gambians for global roles is vital.

This merit-based approach not only enhances the country’s credibility but also bolsters its standing on the international stage. It is essential to implement transparent and impartial processes for endorsing candidates for international positions. We must establish robust mechanisms to ensure that decisions are free from favoritism or political agendas and are rooted in fairness and national interest. Civil society, including media outlets and non-partisan organizations, must actively champion transparency in these processes while holding political actors accountable for their endorsements or objections. Creating an equitable and inclusive system for international nominations has the potential to heal divisions and cultivate a stronger national identity. This moment presents a unique opportunity for Gambians to unite, placing national interests above personal agendas. A nationwide dialogue could serve as a crucial platform for rebuilding trust and addressing these grievances, bringing together stakeholders from all sectors to discuss strategies for ensuring fairness, inclusivity, and unity in representing The Gambia on the global stage. Fatoumatta: If bias and exclusion persist unchecked, the long-term consequences could be dire: deeper societal divisions, a profound erosion of trust in our institutions, and a significant miss in positioning The Gambia as a leader in global affairs. It is imperative for Gambians to collectively strive for a future where every citizen, irrespective of political affiliation, is treated as an equal and valuable representative of our nation. When any Gambian rises on the global stage, the entire nation benefits. It is only by embracing fairness, merit, and inclusivity that The Gambia can truly emerge as a shining beacon of unity and progress in the international arena.