Mai Trumpets National Dialogue

By Abdoulie John

The leader of Gambia Moral Congress has trumpeted the idea of holding a National Dialogue to chart a way forward for the country.

It is little over a year after Gambians put an end to 22 years of Jammeh dictatorship, which had left rising tensions in the education and health sectors, with many people believing there is need for the government to convene a National Dialogue.

“A National Dialogue is necessary after going through a brutal dictatorship that divided the country,” Mai Ahmad Fatty told reporters at his party headquarters on Sunday.

Since the election of President Adama Barrow in December 2016, Gambians have been struggling to recover from the rule of fear that had destroyed the Gambia’s social fabric. Consequently, Gambians had become divided on so many critical issues. A national dialogue will provide Gambians from all walks of life the opportunity to take stock of the current state of affairs. Its resulting make recommendations will enable the country to build a consensus on the way forward.

Mr. Fatty, the former Interior Minister, said the country remains polarised as Gambians are still politically divided. He cited the results of the 2016 Presidential elections, which according to him, was very close. This is a clear sign of polarisation waves sweeping across the country.

“It is necessary to have a national unity dialogue. It would be very useful for Gambians to put the past behind them and appreciate the significance of the change that came about,” Fatty emphasized, adding that the New Gambia requires a new type of citizen.

He then added that part of the responsibility of the new government is to strengthen institutions — both government and non-governmental.

He reiterated the importance of such an initiative and took the opportunity to urge government to take the path towards dialogue.

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