Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Prominent lawyer and civic activist Salieu Taal has delivered a sharp critique of President Adama Barrow’s leadership, warning that The Gambia risks stagnation if those in power fail to govern with what he described as seriousness, clarity, and accountability.
Speaking during a recent appearance on Coffee Time with Peter Gomez, Taal argued that while the Barrow administration has overseen the construction of roads and other infrastructure projects, such achievements do not, on their own, amount to genuine national development.
He questioned the continued dominance of foreign companies in major development contracts, noting that Gambian engineers and construction firms remain largely sidelined.
According to Taal, this approach undermines long-term national capacity and does little to secure the country’s future.
“If we are not empowering Gambians, then what exactly are we developing?” he asked.
Taal further contended that President Barrow must demonstrate greater consistency and discipline in leadership, suggesting that the President appears more at ease energizing political gatherings than engaging in formal governance settings where policy direction and national priorities are defined.
He also warned that what he described as a growing culture of praise-singing and personality-driven politics is weakening democratic accountability.
Such a culture, he said, fosters complacency and enables leaders to evade difficult but necessary scrutiny.
Emphasizing that accountability should not be mistaken for hostility, Taal urged Gambians to challenge their leaders, including the President, without fear.
“Leadership must be able to handle the truth. Civil society cannot retreat, and government cannot be allergic to scrutiny,” he said.
Taal stressed that development without transparency, capacity-building, and responsible governance amounts to little more than political theater. In his view, progress that is not anchored in strong institutions and accountability is unsustainable.
He concluded with a broader warning that transcends partisan politics, arguing that The Gambia’s advancement depends on a collective commitment to truth and serious governance.
“The Gambia cannot move forward unless its citizens, institutions, and leaders commit to truth, accountability, and serious governance,” Taal said.
