Gambia and the new journey ahead: Gambian students at Ashesi share outlook

Following the swearing-in of the President Barrow, Gambians around the world continue to reflect on what the transition will mean for the small West African nation they call home. Here at Ashesi, Gambian students have been sharing their perspectives and outlook for their country through photos and quotes. In this blog post, students share their thoughts and hopes for Gambia’s future.

Momodou K. Sowe

This moment for the Gambia means the country is on the path to progress. It means people are now free to think, creativity is unlocked and the broken path to innovation is fixed! Hopefully, here is the road to our old ingrained political utopia, “The Gambia as Singapore!”

Protecting our independence and peace through the transition signifies that Gambians are peace loving people. It brings into light to how deeply interconnected the small nation is, that it is virtually impossible for us to turn against our own.

For President Barrow, I expect him to put together a well-oiled team; smart people who can do the job and are in for the common good of the nation!

Personally, I feel a sense of ownership for the country’s future. This new chapter is going to create a fertile ground on which in the nearby future I can plant “disruptive technologies!”

Sukai Jallow

My expectation is for the new government to put Gambia’s interests first. The new government should work hard to restore the economy and to expand the productivity of the various sectors of government key to Gambia’s development.

Wuyeh Jobe

The political impasse that struck the country means that the new government will be starting from scratch. The leadership is faced with a dwindling economy to fix, a divided nation to unite, and an education system to refurbish. This means that people are going to encounter challenges ranging from food production to wealth creation. Hence, the youth cannot be naive about their role in nation building.

Wuyeh maintains a blog where he shares his reflections on Gambia’s growth, its people and his hope for the African continent.

Aisha Jallow

The transition of power signifies the maturity Gambians have demonstrated since elections, and during the political impasse. The stability we are enjoying is a by-product of our maturity and the reflection of our sovereignty.

I expect President Barrow to do everything in his power to protect the constitution of the country and rights of the citizens. He must also manage the resources of the country effectively and efficiently. Transparency, accountability, freedom of information and expression should be guaranteed.

There’s still some nagging sense of tribalism and petty differences lingering from the past, within our communities. I expect Mr. Barrow to re-unite the country and instill a sense of Gambianism. I look forward to Gambia re-joining international organizations like ICC and the Common Wealth. Finally, I expect President Barrow to rebuild the educational system and bring reform to the security sector

Sally Dibba

I’m looking forward to the new president to lead the reformation of our ailing economy, alongside create more employment opportunities for our increasing number graduates in particular. Finally, I look forward to a nation of peace and stability.

Muhammed Jammeh

On December 1, 2016, Gambians took a bold decision to move on from Jammeh’s reign to a new systemgovernment. This I hope this serves as an indication to several Africa leaders; that indeed, their the poweraccountability is always belongs to the people. and they give it to whom they choose.

The eventual peaceful transition of power means a lot to us as Gambians. Once again, we are an open society where anyone can walk into at any time. It also means that Gambians now have freedom of speech and expression.

For the new leadership, we expect a system that would ensure equity to all and quality delivery of service. Our economy needs to be revamped, the education system must be redefined, and we need to ensure food security through revamping our agriculture sector. One final expectation I have is that there are more job opportunities to help end the illegal migration of Gambian youth.

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