Baba Galleh Jallow, the former Executive Secretary of the TRRC, stated in an interview with Mustapha K. Darboe on the Verified podcast that the president has a desire to maintain his hold on power and that corruption is widespread in the country. He asserts that the president continues to wish to hold onto power, despite what is reasonable and ethical.
“There is a desire by the president to perpetuate himself in power to stay in power, contrary to what reason and morals dictate,” he said.
Jallow also contended that corruption in Gambia is more pervasive today than it was during the prior regime under Yahya Jammeh. He proposed that fear, which had previously limited certain types of misconduct, is no longer an effective deterrent.
“Widespread corruption also exists.” It seems that the level of corruption in Gambia today surpasses what it was during Jammeh’s rule, as fear was a significant factor back then. If you were caught stealing money, it’s as if, had all these revelations occurred under Jammeh, many more victims would have been identified.
He continued, “People would have disappeared, been killed, or sent to jail, so it seems that people are not as afraid now of engaging in corruption. As a result, corruption is more widespread now, or at least more visible to the public.”
The previous TRRC official emphasized the importance of enhancing civic culture, pointing out that numerous Gambians are still uncertain about their responsibilities in government and the processes for effective participation.
“Another issue that needs very urgent and very sustained attention and addressing is the civic culture,” Jallow said. “The civic culture hasn’t changed that much in terms of people’s perceptions and understandings of government and the role of government in society and their engagement with government.”
Jallow referenced the TRRC’s Never Again campaign, designed to inform citizens about their rights and the influence they possess in shaping governance, as a foundational step that necessitates ongoing commitment.
