The Tabax Reewmi Movement, under the firm leadership of Ahmadou MH Kah, strongly condemns the disgraceful and undemocratic decision by the National Assembly of The Gambia to pass amendments that significantly increase nomination fees for political offices. This decision marks a deliberate and shameful attack on the rights of ordinary Gambians, particularly the youth and emerging political voices, to participate in shaping the future of their own country.
This move by the Barrow administration and its allies in the legislature is a direct betrayal of their earlier promises to promote inclusivity, youth empowerment, and democratic expansion. Instead, they have chosen the path of exclusion, elitism, and oppression. By making it financially impossible for the average citizen to contest for public office, they are declaring that only the rich and by extension, only the connected have the right to serve this nation.
We have noted with utter disappointment the weak and disgraceful justification given by the Minister of Justice, who argued that the increments are based on “international best practice” and a reflection of “evolving needs and aspirations.” These are nothing but senseless and shameful excuses to defend a law that is discriminatory in spirit and dangerous in intent. Gambians are not laughingstocks, and we refuse to accept such lazy reasoning that attempts to mask injustice with polished diplomatic phrases.
The increases in nomination fees for candidates vying for various public offices under the new amendments confirm the shame that flies over the house that was supposed to be the most sacred house in the Gambia. This is a clear manifestation of the fact that members of the house stand only for themselves and not the people of The Gambia.
This act follows a series of anti-people decisions by the National Assembly, including the recent discriminatory law protecting only themselves, the president, and ministers from insults while leaving out Imams, Alkalolu, and the rest of the Gambian population. It is now evident that they have weaponized legislation to shield themselves and silence opposition.
They have now insulted every poor family by saying that your children are unworthy to lead this nation because you are poor.
To all the mothers and fathers in the country who raised principled, visionary children hoping they would one day represent you in parliament, this administration has slammed the door in their faces.
This is not just a law; it is war against democracy declared by the Barrow administration.
And to that, we say: ENOUGH!
CALL TO ACTION: THE EQUALITY MARCH
We, the Tabax Reewmi Movement, officially call for the biggest nationwide political protest ever staged in The Gambia, under the banner: “THE EQUALITY MARCH.”
This is not a time for negotiation with a regime that has lost all moral standing. It is a time for bold, coordinated, peaceful but resolute mass resistance.
We are reaching out to all emerging political movements, opposition political parties, independent candidates, all youth-led organizations and change-makers and every Gambian with a beating heart for justice.
This is a national call to action. This is our moment to reclaim the soul of our democracy.
The government and the National Assembly have tested the strength of Gambian youth; it is now time to respond. This country must mean something to us. We must defend it. Under no circumstance shall we allow a few selfish individuals to suffocate the last breath of our democratic fabric.
We are calling on every young person in every region from Banjul to Basse to prepare for mobilization because the time to act is NOW.
We March Because Democracy belongs to the people and not the elite. Poverty should never be a disqualifier for leadership and the youth are not bystanders as they are the architects of any meaningful government.
We urge every citizen to take this moment seriously. If we let this pass in silence, we sign the death certificate of our weak democracy.
Let it be known that this country belongs to all Gambians whether rich or poor, urban or rural, connected or unknown.
Signed:
Ahmadou MH Kah
Leader, Tabax Reewmi Movement
Contact: 3665119 / 7724819
Email: tabaxreewmi@gmail.com
