Mamma Kandeh, leader of the opposition Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), has urged political leaders to avoid hatred and tribalism to address political tension in the country.

Kandeh emphasized that politicians should view themselves as opponents, not enemies, and should demonstrate to Gambians that they are united in their common interest in development. He suggested a clause in the GDC’s position paper on the constitutional review process, requiring the president to meet with opposition at least twice a year.

Kandeh praised the president for calling for a national dialogue, urging him to continue it if he meant it. Kandeh emphasized that the dialogue should focus on national interest issues and not be a platform for praising or defending people.

He urged the president to have thick skin and understand that none of the opposition is his enemy. Kandeh also advised against turning the dialogue into a jamboree, where griots or party surrogates would sing and defend him.

About the growing perception of Insecurity

Mr. Kandeh urged the president to address the increasing insecurity in the Gambia, stating that the Minister for the Interior has not made any statements or held press conferences. He emphasized that the Gambian people are dying everywhere, and the high living costs are causing hunger among the population, making it difficult for them to make ends meet.

“It doesn’t matter how much you want peace in this country; if your citizens are hungry, there cannot be peace. It is incomprehensible for a government to say yes, things are expensive, and justify that by saying they are the same all over the world. Mr. President, you should speak out on the prices of goods because some businesses are deliberately increasing prices with no justification whatsoever,” Kandeh said.