Africa-Press – Gambia. It is essential in these times of civic uncertainty that we, as students and young Gambians, take a deep breath and remind ourselves what democracy truly means. Recentannouncement of the redeployment of the former Auditor General, and the consequent appointment of Mr. Amadou Cherno Sowe as the new Auditor General, has stirred public debate. What the Office of the President has made clear is that this decision was not meant to undermine the National Audit Office or its independence, but rather was a move made under the President’s constitutional powers and guided by considerations of public sector experience and qualifications.
We in the NPP Students’ Wing believe this is not the time for anger or confusion, but for calm reflection and confidence in our institutions. This is why we organized a leadership training for 150 student leaders from all regions across the country. Young people must resist rhetoric that seeks to recruit you into conflict under claims of “defending democracy” when the real priority should be building your own capacity, through education, character, service, and serving The Gambia with honor and skill. Democracy is not sustained only through protest; it is sustained when citizens understand constitutional processes and respect them, when civil servants do their work professionally, and when accountability is real.
To Mr. Amadou Cherno Sowe, we extend our congratulations on stepping into this important role. You now carry responsibilities not just to audit public finances, but also to fortify public trust. To the staff of the National Audit Office, we urge consistency, impartiality, and integrity in every audit, in every report. Let your work show that The Gambia’s oversight institutions can be relied upon, free from political pressure, operating in full transparency.
Finally, to every citizen and civil servant: your rights include access to justice. When you see decisions, you believe to be unfair or damaging, the law provides means for redress. The courts, parliamentary oversight, the public records are all tools for accountability. There is no justification for taking matters into your own hands when legal and peaceful routes are available.
We stand confident in the leadership of President Barrow and in the durability of The Gambia’s laws and democratic norms. Our nation grows not by division, but by institutions upheld, by youth disciplined and educated, and by leaders and citizens alike choosing integrity. May we be measured, steadfast, and true.
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