Public Statement
In seven days, Gambians will be marking 18th February as the 60th Independence Day. The Government will be spending millions of dalasi to celebrate the day in grand style.
In the first place, EFSCRJ holds that the actual date of independence of the Gambia is 24 April 1970. We hold that 18 February 1965 only established the Gambia as a colonial dominion under the British Empire with internal self-rule status. In the coming days, we will be sharing provisions of the 1965 Constitution to show that legally, politically and institutionally, the Gambia was a British dominion from 1965 to 1970.
Notwithstanding, as the Government and the people are poised to mark 60 years of ‘Independence’ on February 18, we note with sadness that the Gambia remains a highly indebted, impoverished and least developed country where the social and economic wellbeing of the people are dire. The incidence of corruption and gross inefficiency characterizes the public sector where institutions continue failing to provide adequate, affordable and quality goods, services and life-changing opportunities for our people for the past 60 years.
Meantime, public officials continue to acquire all manner of incentives and benefits such as high allowances, gratuity, pension, non-monetary materials, as well as immunities and powers which they couch in law. This reality goes to show that for the past 60 years, the Government of the Gambia exists only for the officials who occupy it. The wealth of the nation continues to benefit public officials more than the sovereign citizens in whose name and will the State derive its legitimacy, authority and power, and for whose welfare public institutions and officials should perform their functions.
As a republican institution, EFSCRJ notes with disquiet how for the past 60 years, this country has been led by only three presidents indicative of self-perpetuating rule. During the period, not only have the people endured excruciating poverty and deprivation, but also suffered incredible injustices, inequity and violations including a 22-year brutal reign of terror under the AFPRC/APRC regime led by Yaya Jammeh. This unfortunate reality indicates the failure of elected and appointed public officials in placing this country on the path of good governance and sustainable development as required by law.
Considering the foregoing, EFSCRJ stands against any celebrations on February 18. At a time when many citizens are suffering and dying due to corruption, lack of opportunities and poor social services, the country needs everything else other than a celebration. Rather we call for the holding of serious national conversations across the country to reflect on our journey as a nation. We hold that such conversations are necessary to identify the root causes that underpin the underdevelopment and misgovernance of the country to find solutions for the building of a lasting and durable democratic republic capable of fulfilling the aspirations of citizens.
2025: The Year of Transparency and Accountability