Njie Njie, Economist and Social Commentator
By NJIE Njie- Economist/ Social Commentator
I respect and recognize the army and its role in maintaining peace and national security of the Gambia. This is a public good prescribed by law to be provided for by the army and paid for by our tax resources. The fundamental tenets of democracy demand that citizens, including public figures like Mr. Essa Mbaye Faal, retain the right to scrutinize institutions and hold them accountable through free speech; a cornerstone of civic participation. While the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) rightly emphasizes its commitment to neutrality and reform, it must refrain from conflating legitimate public critique with “unpatriotic” conduct. A robust democracy thrives when civic discourse remains unshackled, even when such discourse challenges state institutions. The military’s primary mandate to safeguard our nation’s territorial integrity requires it to remain above the political fray, insulated from partisan debates. By publicly condemning critics, the GAF risks overstepping its constitutional role, inadvertently politicizing itself, and chilling the open dialogue essential for democratic maturation. Neutrality is not merely about avoiding bias but actively resisting the temptation to silence dissent, however discomforting.
Public policy MUST be subject to public interrogation; this is non-negotiable in a functioning democracy. The GAF’s assertion that critiques “undermine national cohesion” presumes a fragility inconsistent with the resilience expected of a professional, reformed institution. While falsehoods warrant correction, dismissing all scrutiny as “unethical” or “incendiary” sets a dangerous precedent. The military’s strength lies in its adherence to civilian authority, not in policing civic discourse. Engaging in public rebukes of critics; no matter how misguided the CRITICISM erodes the apolitical stature the GAF seeks to uphold. Let the courts and independent bodies address defamation; the military’s role is to defend borders, not reputations. Gambians deserve both a secure nation and a democracy where institutions withstand scrutiny without retreating into defensiveness. The GAF’s legacy hinges on restraint, not reaction. I am a harsh critic of Mr Samsudeen Sarr for his self centered and rent seeking commentaries over the years. Notwithstanding, I am duty bound to protect the preservation of his right as a Gambian to exercise his right to free speech as prescribed by the 1997 constitution. The issues raised by Mr Faal are legitimate opinions harbored by many The continued presence of foreign troops in our country is subject to public interogation without fair of reprisal. The press statement from GAF can be seen as a means to stifle dissent with regards to government public policy. It is not the decision of the army to prolong the welcome of foreign troops on Gambian soil. That decision is reserved for the civilian authority of the state. It is subject to scrutiny especially by an aspiring presidential candidate.