By: Kebba Ansu Manneh
Hamat N.K. Bah, leader of the National Reconciliation Party (NRP) and Minister of Local Government and Lands, has sounded the alarm on the escalating number of broken marriages in The Gambia, decrying the marginalization and mistreatment of women. At the NRP’s biennial congress in Brikamaba, held in compliance with the country’s electoral laws, Bah called for urgent legal reforms to protect women from abandonment and neglect.
“Our women have been marginalized for so long, dehumanized by men in this country, and the number of broken marriages is alarming,” Bah declared. He highlighted the plight of women left to fend for themselves and their children, often without support for basic needs like school fees, housing, or food. “Men abandon their wives without care for their survival or their children’s welfare. This is getting too much in the country.”
Bah urged National Assembly members, specifically naming Samba Jallow, to collaborate with the majority and minority leaders and the Minister of Gender to amend laws safeguarding women. “Our women cannot be used as pawns or tools anymore,” he asserted, emphasizing that men who abandon their families must face consequences. He criticized the ease with which men leave their wives and children, noting that many neglect their responsibilities while pursuing other interests.
“It’s too cheap for men to dump their wives, abandon their children, or ignore their housing and educational needs,” Bah said. He pointed out the struggles of single mothers, who often bear the burden of paying for rent, school fees, and food alone. “When men make these decisions, they must know they will pay a price.”
The NRP leader also addressed property disputes, questioning how women who contribute to building homes with their husbands can be abruptly evicted. “How can a woman spend her life building a property with you, only to be told to leave?” he asked, stressing that such injustices must end.
Bah called on the National Assembly to work with the government to enact laws protecting women’s rights and ensuring accountability for men who abandon their families without cause. “This situation cannot continue,” he insisted.
Representatives from the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) observed the congress, which was attended by senior NRP officials, party supporters, sympathizers, and dignitaries from other political parties. The event underscored the NRP’s commitment to addressing social issues alongside its political agenda.
Bah’s remarks have sparked discussions about gender equality and family welfare in The Gambia, with advocates praising his call for action while urging swift legislative response. As the country grapples with these challenges, the proposed reforms could mark a significant step toward protecting vulnerable women and children.
The government has yet to respond officially to Bah’s proposals, but the issue will likely gain traction in the National Assembly as public awareness grows. For now, Bah’s impassioned plea has spotlighted a pressing social crisis, demanding accountability and justice for Gambian women.
