Dear Editor,
Over the past several months, and particularly during the past three weeks, I have received a significant number of messages, telephone calls and direct approaches from Gambians and others encouraging me to consider more active participation in the politics and governance of The Gambia.
Some of these approaches have come from individuals with considerable professional, academic, political and institutional experience. Their argument is often similar: when one consistently writes about governance, development, institutional reform and the future direction of our country, while proposing frameworks for addressing national challenges, there comes a point when ideas must move beyond analysis into implementation.
I understand that argument, and I genuinely appreciate the confidence that people have expressed in me. However, I also believe it is important to state my position clearly.
At this stage of my life, I am not interested in party politics. I have never been a member of a political party, and I presently have no intention of becoming one.
This position is not a reaction to any particular government, opposition party, politician or current political circumstance. It reflects a longstanding understanding of how I believe I can best contribute to public life.
Over the years, both in The Gambia and in the United Kingdom, I have been approached about opportunities for direct political participation and public service, which I respectfully declined. I mention this only to make clear that my present position is not new, nor is it based on the absence of political opportunities.
For me, the more important question has always been this: how can one contribute meaningfully to improving people’s lives and strengthening the institutions of our country? I do not believe that public service begins or ends with membership of a political party.
I also accept that ideas ultimately have to move beyond articles, speeches and analysis into implementation. Policies have to be executed. Institutions have to function. Reforms have to produce measurable results. But implementation and national service do not necessarily require party membership or elected political office. There are many avenues through which meaningful national contributions can be made, including government, academia, business, civil society, professional practice, research, policy development and independent public discourse.
As a Gambian, I will continue to support serious initiatives that align with my values, are grounded in credible evidence, strengthen our institutions, improve people’s lives and offer sustainable responses to our national challenges.
I do not believe that a good idea becomes a bad one simply because it originates from someone with whom we politically disagree. Equally, a poor policy does not become a good one simply because it comes from a party, government or individual we support.
My loyalty in these matters is to The Gambia and the long-term interests of Gambians. That means supporting what is demonstrably in the national interest and maintaining independence to question what is not.
Those who have approached me from different political parties and political perspectives will know that I have communicated this position consistently. I also recognise why these conversations may have intensified recently. My recent articles and analyses have addressed governance, political leadership, institutional reform, development and the future direction of our country. When one repeatedly identifies problems, questions existing approaches and proposes alternative frameworks, it is understandable that people eventually ask: why not participate directly in implementing them? It is a legitimate question.
For now, I believe my contribution is best made through research, analysis, constructive criticism, policy thinking, institutional engagement and the development of practical frameworks that can support better governance and sustainable development.
This does not mean standing outside national affairs or remaining indifferent to what happens in our country. On the contrary, responsible citizenship requires engagement, scrutiny, informed analysis and, where possible, practical contribution.
Politics and governance should ultimately be about more than personalities, parties and electoral victories. They should be about institutions that work, policies that survive changes of government, accountability that applies equally to everyone, responsible stewardship of national resources, opportunities for citizens and development that ordinary Gambians can see and experience in their daily lives.
Our country needs competent, principled and committed people contributing both from within government and from outside it. National development should never be reduced to party membership. What should matter most is the quality of that contribution, the evidence upon which it is based, the integrity with which it is pursued and, ultimately, whether it helps move The Gambia forward.
That remains my position.
Dr Lamin Janneh
Analyst