Last Saturday, President Barrow officially inaugurated the National Muslim Elders Advisory Council (NMEAC), a body described as a vehicle for peace, unity, and collaboration between religious Leaders and the State. While this might sound noble, Gambians must ask critical questions: Why now? And why is the President creating a parallel structure to advise him when the Supreme Islamic Council (SIC) already exists?
This move carries a familiar political scent. It echoes the tactics of former Dictator Yahya Jammeh, who repeatedly used Islamic leaders against one another to maintain control and suppress dissent. Instead of nurturing genuine religious unity, Jammeh fostered division, patronage, and silence in the face of injustice.
We see President Barrow seemingly walking that same path but under the disguise of peace and national development.
The NMEAC, established in September 2023, boasts 17 executive members and 87 regional committee representatives. But who elected them? Were they chosen by the Muslim community or by political convenience? And how does their role not undermine or conflict with the Supreme Islamic Council, the very institution that has long served as the leading Islamic authority in The Gambia?
Even more concerning is President Barrow’s pledge to donate a vehicle to the council to facilitate outreach. On the surface, this seems helpful. But in a country where power and influence often follow State largesse, these gifts come with expectations. They create dependency. They blur the line between religious service and political loyalty.
This is not how democratic, independent religious leadership operates.
Instead of creating parallel structures and dividing our religious leaders, President Barrow should strengthen existing institutions like the SIC and preserve the independence of religious voices. Religious leaders must be free to advise, challenge, and guide government, not become mouthpieces for political power.
The Gambia deserves a Government that respects religious diversity without manipulating it. We need leaders who promote unity by building trust and empowering communities, not duplicating structures and rewarding loyalty with gifts.
As Gambians, we must stay alert. Let us not quietly allow the past to return in a different form. Our democracy was hard won. We cannot afford to lose it through subtle acts of political co-optation, especially not in the name of religion.
By Ndey Jobarteh
