My diasporan family and friends will not like the premise of this
post am about to construct. Gambians at both home and abroad do have
collective aspiration to build a better Gambia that is premised on
sustainable social justice and access to economic opportunities. That
said, the two sides (home based and the diaspora) have a divergence of
philosophical thought and reality and this will forever frustrate our
sincere and bonafide efforts of convergence. I urge all to read keenly
and not to denigrate the author as he is simply venturing into the mind
of the Gambian based on his intimate encounters with both sides.
For a start, we have an imperfect relationship as the diasporans are
mostly the financial underwriters of political activity on the ground.
Naturally, they will want more stake in the administering and direction
of political activity on the ground by peddling their influence to
reorient the prevailing political thought to suit their objectives. This
issue is delicately managed by the political operatives on the ground
but with a degree of skepticism. The homegrown activist is weary of the
diaspora as they smell a sense of entitlement and down play of local
participation. In reality, these are all perceptions harbored by both
sides and any constructive endeavor to synergistically converge may be a
daunting task.
The political narrative is controlled by the
online media outlets mostly based in the diaspora. They often rubbish
the intellect, guts and will to effect change by the locals. This
stereotype extends the preconceived notion that the locals are not ready
for change. Perceptions are strong and it can be reinforced by the
stereotypes harbored. The locals also have a strong sense of entitlement
given the fact that they operate on ground zero and bear the brunt of
being in the front lines. The shifting of allegiance by political
opportunist and escapist is also another cause for concern for the
diaspora. We have seen mouth pieces and disciples of the regime morphed
into super nemesis/activist. Are their actions genuine? Can they be
trusted? These are to name a few concerns lingering in the hearts and
minds of the diasporan Gambian. The nuances and road blocks impeding our
concerted regroupment are all trivial and centre around prejudice and
perceptions. Gambia though small boast of a highly polarized citizenry
whose minor differences hinder their collective resolve to do great
things together. Finally, the diaspora has a vested interest in the
political outcome of the country but they MUST realize their limitations
as it relates to their disenfranchisement. I wished they have the right
to vote and be counted but for now that is not our political reality
therefore they must regroup and effectively agitate for reforms that
will yield dividends for that cluster of Gambians living in distant
shores and by extension us on the ground. However, this cannot be
attained if they remain splintered. There is a leadership vacuum in the
diaspora and often times, the online media is allowed to sway/peddle
influence on lives of organizations. A classic example is the demise of
the organization led by one Mr. Kanteh in Switzerland. The split was
played out for all to see on social media. Reforms are always
introspective meaning it starts inwards. Equally, the Gambians on the
ground lack inspiration and hope as the opposition on the ground are
bickering and jockeying for personal space rather than a common position
for the greater good. Personally, I refused to rent out premium real
estate space in my head to some of these entities as their agenda will
not advance my cause as a Gambian. Lets battle our inner demons and
purge ourselves of the destructive tendencies of the new Gambian. Change
starts from within and genuine change evolves from courage of
conviction. Do we believe in ourselves and ability to do good and be
better Gambians? If so, lets get the ball rolling or we continue being
the opportunist, prostitutes and subjects we resign our fate to. No
prejudice intended from this post just a thought residing in the mind of
a provocative curious Gambian who yearned for a brighter day
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