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One Political Regime Impacts Failure on Three Generations of a State
Wednesday, 01 June 2011 13:41
Generational issues:The most immediate past generation of a given nation prepared beds of good seed cultivated for bumper harvest. Before the crops ripe, the fields suffered terrible invasion by locusts and wild animals. Within a short span of time all the crop is gone with barely handful of seeds to preserve for next crop season. Entire land came under attack and was robbed off its fertile properties. That country is Gambia in West Africa’s most deprived geopolitical outfit.
To explain this in simpler terms, some work was done by the past generation of Gambians, not to mention about government for that attracts the sound of politics. Each family unit in Gambia made some sacrifices. Those who worked in the public sector made savings to have their successors educated for better life ahead. Those who tilled the land sold the produce to educate all or some of their children. Together we call it one Gambia belonging to all. Apart from education and other employable skills, some families have chosen business as source of living. All the hard work was aimed at adding value to life but has it happen that way at all?
Broken society
No doubt some people will continue to float even with the speed of a crashing jet that by cruel twist of happening prevails for lasting destruction. Certainly for many individuals and families plans have shattered and life fails to deliver the promised targets. Now close to two decades a whole generation of Gambian people remains stripped off sustainable livelihoods. Hopes are completely dashed. It is a matter of bare survival. Farmlands have been mapped out for duelling houses and food stores serve as nesting for birds and reptiles. Business is brought to standstill. Sociocultural ties are consumed in flames of mistrust and severe antagonism between people or communities. There is a state of affairs with everyone for the self and some against others for no justifiable reason. Ties of peace and unity have been replaced by thick lines of division and fierce rivalry.
Preserving our values
What makes it an issue for everyone’s concern is that the good values reserved by past generations now sink under sweeping current of a rapidly drowning sea of destruction. That is how serious the problem of Gambia’s lost generation becomes.
With nothing preserved from the past good generation it is unlikely that this generation is better prepared to hand down anything for the coming generation. On the face of things, it appears as though some advancement is promising its way. You only have to look high and deep to recognise what remains of any good use. With the type of broken social fabric, even close families have loose ties. The big home disappeared for sake of mere want. More homes same family but different values. It is still called development with fewer people occupying bigger spacing.
Just because trouble times imposed devastating impacts this generation of Gambians will remain guilty for two things. Failure to preserve good past values is one responsibility nobody is fit to defend. Not preparing a readily suitable platform for next generation occupants is a situation that only better judges will determine.
Political landmines
That is exactly how a dangerous and unsuitable political regime of one generation can have seriously damaging impact on past, present, and future generations. Gambia now stands at that position along the socio-political and economic avenues of transition. The civil service structure and systems have been rendered total wreckage. Social relations are torn apart. Economic and financial livelihoods give no bankable promise. Political participation is so badly corrupted even religious leaders stain with it. Everyone seems to be saying some people will bring the change. A single individual has kept whole society as prisoners and hopelessness reigns. Of course people tend to pretend a quick fix is handy or shall prevail at some unexpected wave of good tides. The clock ticks yet, neither the hour nor the minute hand moves.
It is very much unlikely that the current political power players will consider giving up their oppressive engagement. The Head of Government is also the head of commerce and industry. That is a conflict of interest needing to reconcile, yet hard to fix together. Sycophants and opportunists keep biting and licking until they reach their own lips. That’s when the pain of self infliction comes real.
For every problem, there are many possible solutions. One problem with Gambia is lack of unity. Unprepared to face the problem and chat out readily applicable solutions is another situation at hand. It is time for straight talks. The period from July 1994 to date is enough time for stock taking. Lot of things have changed. One thing that is clear to everyone is that the sitting Head of State is not willing to cope in allowing orderly succession. He insists he is bringing development and needs time to deliver more development.
Every good has a better part
To assume that the current regime is bringing development can be an opinion anyone hangs on. But even if the present regime and sitting president paves all the public roads of Gambia with golden lamp poles and diamond light glitters, the most that can be added is simple thank you. It is no justification to remain in power for life. There are already good numbers of very capable and willing Gambians ready to serve equally good or better. They cannot do so under the current spell of hire and fire. It is not only a sitting leader or party in power that can take a country further for every historic epoch. This is a generational problem in transition.
Orderly succession is best
Succession is the word we are looking for. Gambia does not have to go to war for change of government. The sitting president and government in power can save the nation from trouble by graceful surrender of position and title, however lofty. To have the sitting president insist being the best is normal human behaviour that can be curtailed. For almost 20 years now, there is nothing new this government will impress Gambians with. It is time to lay the golden carpet of exit for the most orderly succession out of public office. That way, the current party takes stock and prepares for next round with fresh leadership in the ranks. Too much of everything is too bad. Gambia is fit to bid peaceful farewell to the current regime as the carpet rolls over for new occupants in the most fulfilling political life for generations to come.
Written by Sarjo Bayang, UK
The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Jollofnews.
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