Gambiaj.com – (BONDALI, The Gambia) – The Chief of Foni Bondali District, Omar Colley, has defended the recent removal of the Alkalo of Bantanjang Village, saying that Alkalos in The Gambia are appointed by the state and can be relieved of their duties by the government.
Speaking on N24 Radio on Sunday afternoon, Colley said the authority responsible for appointing Alkalos also retains the power to remove them when it considers it necessary.
His comments follow public debate over the dismissal of Bantanjang’s long-serving Alkalo, Lamba Tamba, which occurred shortly before the recent councillorship by-election in the area.
Colley, who succeeded his late father, Ebou Colley, said the position of Alkalo is inherently linked to politics, noting that appointments are made by the president and allowances are paid by the state. He argued that it is therefore unrealistic for Alkalos to claim they are completely detached from political processes.
He questioned calls for traditional leaders to avoid politics altogether, asking what support those making such appeals have provided to Alkalos and Chiefs, including assistance with basic needs.
The Foni Bondali chief said Chiefs and Alkalos traditionally work with whichever government is in power and are often relied upon for community mobilisation at the grassroots level. He added that political parties that win national elections are likely to continue depending on traditional leaders for engagement with local communities.
Colley also accused opposition parties of attempting to strain relations between traditional leaders and the central government, though he maintained that cooperation between the two remains important for governance.
About the specific case of Alkalo Lamba Tamba, Colley suggested that similar actions would not have occurred during the administration of former President Yahya Jammeh.
However, he maintained that the decision to remove the Bantanjang Alkalo did not come directly from President Adama Barrow, while emphasizing that such actions fall within the broader authority of the state over traditional appointments.
