By Kebba Ansu Manneh
Hamat NK Bah, leader of the National Reconciliation Party (NRP), and a prominent cabinet minister in President Barrow’s government, has emphasized that Gambians have the right to protest while condemning actions that disrupt peace during the NRP’s biennial congress in Brikamaba. Addressing party supporters, Bah called for the restoration of the office of the opposition leader to strengthen Gambia’s democracy.
“You have a right to demonstrate, but you have no right to cause chaos. You have no right to disturb the peace of this country,” Bah declared. He stressed the importance of respecting the law and maintaining peace, noting, “This is the only country we have; we have nowhere to go except our little Gambia.” His remarks come amid growing political tensions as the nation prepares for future leadership transitions.
Bah highlighted the role of Gambia’s youth in shaping the country’s future, urging them to foster a peaceful environment, develop skills, and contribute to national development. With the current leadership’s tenure nearing its end, he emphasized the need for young Gambians to prepare for leadership roles responsibly.
The NRP leader also called for unity across political lines, condemning abuse or insults based on party affiliation. “Let’s have our politics embody our culture to make sure we respect our values and norms,” he said, advocating for a political environment rooted in Gambian traditions of respect for elders and community.
A key proposal from the congress was the restoration of the office of the opposition leader, which Bah argued would enhance democratic dialogue. He noted that the office existed before the 1997 constitution but was omitted from the current framework. “The office of the opposition leader needs to be created, fully functioned, and equipped by the state,” Bah said, envisioning it as a liaison between the government and opposition to foster national unity.
Bah argued that an opposition leader’s office would encourage more nationalistic thinking and bridge divides, despite the existing parliamentary structure of minority and majority groups. “We need to rethink enhancing our democracy by building the office of the opposition leader in the Gambia,” he said, calling for constitutional reforms to accommodate this change. He believes such a move would promote reconciliation and advance the country’s development.
The NRP says its stance reflects its commitment to national reconciliation, with Bah urging all Gambians to set aside differences and work collectively for progress. “As a party, we strongly believe in the spirit of national reconciliation. Let’s reconcile our differences and move our country forward,” he concluded.
The congress, attended by NRP supporters and local leaders, underscored the party’s focus on peace, unity, and democratic reform as Gambia navigates its political future. Bah’s call for a balanced approach to protests and institutional reforms signals a push for stability and inclusivity in the nation’s governance.
As Gambia approaches a pivotal transition period, Bah’s remarks resonate as both a warning against unrest and a vision for a more collaborative political system. The proposal for an opposition leader’s office could spark further debate on constitutional reforms in the coming months.
