In a bold move that could reshape the political landscape ahead of the December presidential elections, Mariama Khan, a prominent advocate for social reform and cultural preservation, has officially announced her candidacy for the presidency. Khan unveiled her campaign under the banner of Marrall Kendoe – a Mandinka phrase meaning “proper governance” – promising to restore unity, justice, and dignity to a nation she describes as plagued by corruption, division, and moral decay. Her manifesto, titled “Marrall Kendoe Philosophy and Manifesto,” outlines a vision centered on family, justice, restoration, and defense, encapsulated in the motto FaJ RD – where “FaJ” also means “healing” in Wolof.
Khan’s announcement comes at a time when The Gambia is grappling with deep-seated challenges, including economic stagnation, social fragmentation, and a erosion of traditional values.
At the virtual launch, Khan emphasized that her bid is not just about winning power but about healing a “sick nation.” “The Gambia has become a landscape of broken families, political divisiveness, and unchecked corruption,” she stated in her address. “What inept leadership has broken, competent leadership must rebuild. Marrall Kendoe is the promise of honest, meaningful governance that puts Gambians first.”
The manifesto, which serves as the cornerstone of her campaign, is built around nine core values designed to address the multifaceted crises facing the nation. It paints a picture of a Gambia where historical interconnections among ethnic groups – once defined by respect, tolerance, inclusion, and solidarity – are revived. Khan argues that the past decade has seen a deliberate undermining of these bonds through political manipulation, leading to fragile families, communities, and national identity.
At the heart of Marrall Kendoe’s philosophy is the emphasis on enlightened, competent, and meaningful leadership. Khan criticizes current governance for fostering corruption and division, proposing instead a leadership model that nurtures vision, courage, and accountability. “We need leaders who step aside when they lose the confidence of the people,” the manifesto reads. Under her administration, institutions would be reformed to promote harmony, fairness, and equal rights, with policies that educate citizens on their rights and responsibilities. This includes fostering solidarity and peaceful coexistence, drawing from ancestral socio-cultural structures to rebuild the nation’s social fabric.
Family emerges as a pivotal theme in Khan’s platform, described as the “conduit for growth, cohesiveness, and advancement.” The manifesto laments the fragility of Gambian families, attributing it to political cultures that exploit social ties through betrayal, blackmail, and materialism. “A nation of broken families becomes a nation of broken people,” it warns. Khan pledges to prioritize family unity, viewing it as the foundation for national cohesion. Her government would implement policies to support steady, loving families, reunite communities, and invoke networks of relatedness across ethnic and religious lines. “If people are not loyal to their families, they cannot be loyal to our nation,” Khan asserted, committing to ground-up change starting with family rebuilding to restore trust and solidarity.
Respect for the sacredness of life is another cornerstone, addressing the rise in suspicious deaths, violent attacks, and threats to vulnerable groups. Khan vows swift investigations into all such incidents and stiff judicial action against perpetrators. “Every human life is sacred,” the manifesto declares, promising safeguards for women, children, the elderly, and the vulnerable. This includes enhancing human dignity and security through law enforcement and social programs.
Khan also highlights the protection of the talented and gifted and of women’s work, and criticizes the adversarial stance toward knowledgeable citizens that has fueled brain drain. Her plan includes establishing a “Talented, Gifted, and Women’s Work Institute” to recognize and support contributions, particularly from women, and to ensure their roles in national development are valued and protected.
Cultural restoration is a key pillar that aims to reverse identity confusion and cultural loss. The manifesto decries the neglect of Gambian heritage since independence, including the marginalization of indigenous languages, art forms, and cultural icons. Khan proposes reeducation to foster self-awareness and celebrate identities without exclusion. “We must rescue our eroded heritage and defend what we rescue,” it states, advocating for a mindset change to preserve traditions and connect modern lives to ancestral pasts. Policies would promote cultural continuity, indigenous knowledge, and unity in diversity.
The acronym RECORD encapsulates Khan’s economic and social agenda: Reeducation for a modern curriculum focusing on STEM and technology; Economic advancement to combat poverty and restore The Gambia as a trade hub; Cultivate agriculture for food self-sufficiency, blending traditional and modern methods; Order-making for transparent, bribery-free systems; Responsible citizenship to instill work ethics; and Discipline and diplomacy for disciplined governance and interest-driven foreign policy. “RECORD is the heartbeat of our interventions,” Khan explained, promising professional foreign service free from political recycling.
Youth development is prioritized through mentoring programs that build cultural awareness, emotional resilience, and innovation. “The youth are the backbone of our nation,” the manifesto notes, aiming to prepare them for modern challenges like social media and technology.
Honest service is championed to counter the celebration of corruption, promoting values of honesty, equality, justice, and compassion. Khan envisions a nation where goodness builds strength, with policies that care for the vulnerable and respect women and elders.
Finally, national security is reimagined holistically, encompassing military, intelligence, law enforcement, health, food safety, energy, environment, and technology. Khan pledges restructuring for proactive, cooperative institutions to address porous borders, public safety threats – especially to women and girls – and emerging challenges. “Our national security will solidify our strength,” she said.
Political analysts see Khan’s entry as a potential disruptor in a field dominated by established parties. Her focus on cultural and family healing resonates with many disillusioned voters, particularly in rural areas where traditional values hold sway. However, critics question the feasibility of her ambitious reforms amid economic constraints.
