A recent article titled “Gambia on the Brink: Donor Partners Must Act Before Democracy Collapses” is not an objective assessment of governance in The Gambia. Rather, it is a bitter vendetta from an individual whose personal ambitions were not fulfilled. This critic once sought appointment into high office within the national broadcaster, and upon being denied such a position, turned to foreign platforms to peddle misinformation about the government.
This rebuttal will address the claims point by point, using the principles of law, governance, and truth.
1. On the Question of Presidential Mandate and Tenure
The critic argues that President Barrow “abandoned his transitional mandate” and is maneuvering for a third term. This is misleading.
The 1997 Gambian Constitution—the supreme law of the land—does not impose term limits on the presidency. President Barrow, like any citizen, has the right to contest elections in accordance with the constitution.
The claim that he personally blocked the 2020 draft constitution is false. The draft was rejected by the National Assembly, not the president. In a democracy, it is the legislature—not one man—that has the authority to pass or reject laws.
Seeking reelection under the current constitution is not illegal, nor is it undemocratic. It is the exercise of constitutional rights, which should be respected.
2. On Corruption Allegations
The sweeping accusations of corruption lack both evidence and context.
The government has established multiple Commissions of Inquiry—including the Janneh Commission, the Local Government Commission, and others—which have exposed corruption and recommended corrective measures. These were not set up by “dictators,” but by President Barrow himself, showing his commitment to transparency.
All recommendations from the commissions and audit reports are being democratically handled. Some cases are under prosecution, others are awaiting final approval from the Attorney General’s office, while in the case of the TRRC, reparations for victims have already begun. Victims are currently being informed of a planned rollout of final compensation. This is proof that the government is implementing reforms through lawful channels, not ignoring them.
COVID-19 funds: The Auditor General’s report identified administrative lapses, but no credible evidence links the president or his family to misappropriation. Where irregularities were found, the government has taken steps to strengthen financial controls.
Allegations of “$40 million projects awarded without due process” are unsubstantiated. All major public procurement processes pass through the GPPA (Gambia Public Procurement Authority), an independent statutory body.
The critic conveniently ignores the progress made in the digitalization of government procurement systems and the strengthening of the National Audit Office—clear markers of institutional growth under Barrow’s leadership.
3. On Institutional Independence
The article claims that Barrow is “dismantling institutions.” The facts show otherwise:
The Auditor General was not “illegally dismissed.” Public officers can be reassigned in accordance with the Constitution and Public Service Commission regulations. His appointment as minister is neither unconstitutional nor evidence of “suppression.”
The Central Bank, National Audit Office, and the Judiciary remain independent bodies established by law. Their reports are published publicly and debated openly in the National Assembly.
Under Barrow, the media space has flourished: dozens of private radio stations, TV outlets, and online platforms—including those used by the critic—operate freely, something unthinkable under Jammeh’s dictatorship.
4. On Human Rights and Protest
The Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and assembly, but it also allows the state to regulate public gatherings for security and public order. This is standard in all democracies.
Where protesters were arrested, it was based on violations of the Public Order Act, not political vendetta. Gambian courts remain open for redress, and no citizen is above the law.
Unlike during the Jammeh era, no journalist has been killed, disappeared, or permanently silenced under Barrow’s government. This is a historic shift.
5. On Donor Relations and “Fatigue”
Perhaps the most reckless claim is the call for “donor fatigue” against The Gambia.
No patriotic Gambian who loves their country will advocate for donors to withdraw support from vital projects in health, education, and infrastructure that benefit ordinary citizens.
President Barrow’s government continues to enjoy strong partnerships with the EU, World Bank, IMF, and bilateral partners, who have praised The Gambia’s democratic reforms and economic recovery strategies.
To call for donor sanctions is not advocacy for democracy—it is sabotage against the Gambian people.
6. On the Role of Civil Society and Opposition
The critic pretends to champion civil society and opposition but fails to recognize that:
Civil society organizations freely operate, hold press conferences, and release reports without intimidation.
Opposition parties, including UDP, PDOIS, GDC, and others, are active, hold rallies across the country, and contest elections without hindrance.
The National Assembly is more assertive than ever, summoning ministers and debating critical issues. That is the essence of checks and balances.
Conclusion: Truth over Vendetta
This article is not about democracy—it is about personal frustration. Bitterness over unfulfilled personal ambition cannot justify a campaign of lies against a sitting president who was freely and fairly elected by the Gambian people.
The NPP government under President Barrow stands on the principles of democracy, rule of law, and good governance. Gambians have not forgotten the dictatorship they emerged from in 2016, and they will never allow individuals with grudges to distort reality for selfish ends.
Patriotism means building, not destroying; correcting, not sabotaging. Calling for “donor fatigue” is a betrayal of The Gambia’s progress and an insult to the ordinary people who rely on international partnerships for development.
The Gambian people deserve better than propaganda disguised as journalism.
Yaya Dampha
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