Africa-Press – Gambia. President Adama Barrow has said that while opposition is a natural feature of democracy, what The Gambia needs is a “genuine” and constructive opposition committed to national progress.
“Opposition is not bad,” Mr. Barrow said during a recent meeting with the Mandinka Society at the State House in Banjul. “But genuine opposition is what we want in this country.”
The president used the occasion to reflect on his own legacy and future after his presidency, expressing a desire to remain in The Gambia as an ordinary citizen and to see his eventual successor surpass his achievements in governance.
“I want to remain in this country after the presidency, and I also want the person that will replace me to do more work than I have done,” he said.
Mr. Barrow underscored the importance of dialogue in fostering national cohesion, noting that Gambian society is diverse, with many ethnic communities—including the Mandinka, Jola, Fula, and Karoninka—all of which he said he engages with regularly.
“If people don’t discuss, the world will break,” he said. “All these societies—I am their Chief Patron. They all come to me and I have discussions with all of them.”
The president acknowledged that not all citizens may support him personally, but stressed that national development is a collective responsibility.
“Not everybody can love you—that is true,” he said. “But when it is time for national development, it is everybody’s responsibility to contribute and join us to develop the country.”
Mr. Barrow emphasized that while political power is temporary, the work of building the nation must endure beyond any single administration.
“The presidency will end—all positions do end—but our country will forever remain,” he said.
Reflecting on the nature of dissent, Mr. Barrow remarked that opposition can arise even in the most intimate settings.
“Sometimes even your own child can be your opposition,” he said. “If I arrest you and show you power, and keep you at Mile 11, what benefit will that have for me or the Gambians?”
He concluded with a reminder of the need for humility in leadership, adding, “Before coming to this position, we were with the people. And after leaving this position, you will be with the people. So everybody should be careful and know that tomorrow will come.”
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