Quran (49:11)
“O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them. And let not women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one’s] faith. And whoever does not repent – then it is those who are the wrongdoers.”
The Gambia and the War of Tongues’
Alagi Yorro Jallow.
“Indeed, a messenger from among yourselves said, ‘What an evil is the bartering of a soul for the life of this world! It is only the life of this world that is the vanity.’ The abode of the Hereafter – that is truly life, if they but knew.”(Quran 18:46)
This verse emphasizes the significance of valuing one’s soul and the results of utilizing one’s tongue for dangerous functions. It serves as a reminder to make use of our phrases responsibly and to keep away from partaking in dangerous speech.
Fatoumatta: The Gambia stands at a vital juncture, going through a myriad of challenges that jeopardize its stability and progress. From rampant banditry and armed theft to deep-seated tribalism and poisonous political divisions, these points erode the very basis of our democracy. Deceptive populism and rampant misinformation thrive, significantly amongst former enablers and cronies of ex-president Yahya Jammeh, who’re striving to rewrite historical past of their favor. These people, who beforehand supported a tyrannical regime, now try to pose as advocates for constitutionalism and good governance.
Amid this turmoil, a brand new and harmful battleground has emerged—the warfare of tongues. This verbal battle, which is extra harmful than any bodily confrontation, relentlessly targets our management and anybody who serves the nation. It threatens to fracture the material of Gambian society, leaving a path of division and chaos in its wake.
Fatoumatta: The myriad points confronting our nation are vital. The Gambia grapples with steady banditry, armed theft, tribal strife, and divisive political rhetoric, rendering the panorama more and more perilous. Fueled by a poisonous mixture of misinformation and private grievances, many former supporters of Yahya Jammeh have turned to disinformation campaigns as a method of regaining energy and relevance.
The warfare of tongues shouldn’t be a brand new improvement; it’s an historical type of battle as previous as humanity itself. Yet, it stands as some of the deadly types of warfare—infinitely extra dangerous than terrorism, armed theft, and homicide mixed. In The Gambia, this warfare is waged in opposition to our leaders and people dedicated to serving their nation. No one, no matter their dedication or integrity, is spared the relentless assaults that characterize this insidious marketing campaign.
Fatoumatta: From President Adama Barrow to essentially the most junior political appointee, nobody escapes the cruel onslaught of this verbal assault. The battleground is populated by self-styled activists, disillusioned job seekers, and former supporters of Yahya Jammeh, together with a former ambassador who lacks the ethical standing to advertise constitutionalism and good governance. Together, they converge on social media and different platforms, unleashing rhetoric that’s devoid of grace or respect, spreading falsehoods, and nurturing deep-seated animosity.
It is significant to know that President Barrow is constitutionally permitted to run for a 3rd time period, because the Gambian structure doesn’t impose time period limits. His option to chorus from contesting is a matter of non-public ethics, not authorized obligation. The relentless warfare of tongues and dangerous populism should not solely stop but additionally get replaced with constructive dialogue and significant engagement.
Regrettably, some Gambians fixate on bitterness and hatred on social media, neglecting urgent points equivalent to corruption, insecurity, and the rising price of dwelling. Instead of focusing their energies on these challenges, they have interaction in divisive discussions concerning the third time period, distracting themselves from the true points at hand. Meanwhile, former ambassadors of Jammeh exploit this discourse to convey their grievances over not receiving authorities positions.
All nationwide establishments—the chief, legislature, judiciary, army, and police—have turn into unwitting targets on this warfare of tongues. Commentators from numerous media platforms usually criticize every thing and everybody, save for their very own actions. They lament about President Barrow, who has been instrumental in restoring democracy, freedom of expression, and human rights—values trampled underneath Yahya Jammeh’s regime. Despite having fun with newfound freedoms, these critics usually overlook the President’s tangible achievements.
Today, The Gambia is tormented by an amazing negativity that obscures the optimistic strides being made. While it’s essential to confront points like poverty, violence, and insecurity, there are additionally commendable developments equivalent to agricultural developments, infrastructural progress, and sound governance practices. The Barrow administration is making vital strides in addressing insecurity, all whereas enduring the relentless warfare of tongues. We should keep in mind that The Gambia is our solely homeland; allow us to try to uplift it by means of our phrases and actions.
Some clerics, significantly from Islamic communities, have taken to preaching messages of hate from the pulpit, spreading falsehoods and inciting hostility towards the federal government. Such animosity poses an actual danger of igniting violence and civil unrest, in the end resulting in tragic losses of life. These purveyors of hate should acknowledge their ethical accountability and the far-reaching penalties of their rhetoric.
Our phrases possess immense energy. When we converse ailing of our nation and its leaders, we in the end hurt ourselves. It is a religious fact that we reap what we sow. In as we speak’s Gambia, if there are not any official grievances, some will go as far as to fabricate them. While the warfare of tongues might linger unabated, we should acknowledge that it’s a double-edged sword, inflicting injury to each the speaker and the goal.
Fatoumatta: In gentle of those urgent challenges, it’s crucial for Gambians to acknowledge the profound impression of their phrases on the nation’s future. The warfare of tongues, with its potential to sow discord and discord, should be confronted with pressing and constructive dialogue. Let us unite for The Gambia’s future, utilizing our voices to foster understanding and progress quite than division.
It’s essential for Gambians to harness the unimaginable energy of their phrases and the numerous position they play in shaping our nation’s future. While we face challenges, we are able to deal with the conflicts that come up from our discussions with urgency and positivity. Let’s rejoice the thrilling progress in areas just like the agricultural revolution, infrastructure enchancment, and good governance! By fostering a spirit of unity and encouragement, we are able to come collectively to construct a vibrant future for The Gambia—our beloved dwelling. Remember, our phrases matter and might create a harmonious and affluent nation. Together, we are able to rise above any divisions and make a long-lasting impression!
Fatoumatta: Let us heed the knowledge of Sahl bin Sa’d (might Allah be happy with him), who mentioned: “Whoever guarantees to safeguard what is between his jaws and what is between his legs, I shall guarantee him Jannah.” — Bukhari. Furthermore, allow us to keep in mind the phrases of Abu Hurairah (might Allah be happy with him), who relayed the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) message {that a} careless phrase can lead one to fall into the fireplace of Hell deeper than the gap between the east and the west. — Bukhari and Muslim. These teachings remind us of the highly effective results our phrases can have. Let us use our tongues to construct, to not destroy, and to advertise unity and positivity in The Gambia.