By Alieu Ceesay and Momodou S. Gagigo
The Coalition of Progressive Gambians (CoPG) has sounded the alarm over what it describes as a dangerous slide toward dictatorship in The Gambia, following the controversial removal of the Auditor General from the National Audit Office (NAO). The group’s concerns highlight growing tensions over government accountability and the erosion of democratic principles in the country.
Ebrihim Bai Biran Jagne, a prominent voice within the CoPG, warned that the nation stands at a critical juncture. “We are at a crossroads, and if things proceed without proper legal procedures, a dictatorship is being endorsed. We are on the brink of having a dictatorship if nothing is done to stop it,” Jagne declared at a press conference of concerned citizens and youth-led movements.
The coalition’s outcry centers on the government’s decision to remove the Auditor General, a move they argue undermines the credibility of an institution vital for ensuring financial oversight and transparency.
Celestine Kujabi, the CoPG’s Secretary General, expressed dismay at the government’s apparent disregard for audit reports that have exposed mismanagement of public resources. “One of the institutions responsible for accountability is being sidelined, and this is a concern for every Gambian. We have seen numerous audit reports revealed recently, yet nothing has been done,” Kujabi stated.
The CoPG has called for unified action to address these issues, urging citizens to demand justice and reform. Lamin Bojang, the coalition’s Public Relations Officer, emphasized the need for internal accountability to drive national development. “Our nation’s progress must come from within. We cannot rely solely on external forces. Millions in resources have been mismanaged while many Gambians continue to live in poverty,” Bojang said. He also questioned the government’s commitment to promised reforms, asking, “Where is the security sector reform we were promised?”
The coalition’s rally drew significant support from various youth-led movements, all united in their call for the immediate reinstatement of the Auditor General. Ebrima Kaira, another vocal member of the CoPG, underscored the group’s resolve, stating, “If it is necessary for us to sleep on the streets, we will do it until the Auditor General is reinstated in his office at the NAO.” This collective determination reflects a broader commitment to safeguarding democratic values and ensuring accountable governance for the benefit of all Gambians.
The controversy surrounding the Auditor General’s removal has sparked widespread debate, with many questioning the government’s motives and the potential long-term consequences for democratic institutions. The CoPG’s warnings resonate with a growing segment of the population frustrated by perceived failures in governance and accountability.
