Islamic cleric Baba Leigh has challenged Gambians, taking to the streets, to ask themselves which role in government they will assume if a government is toppled in street protests, rhetorically asking about the situation of those Senegalese nationals who joined current Senegalese prime minister Ousmane Sonko in deadly street protests at the latter part of Macky Sall’s rule.
“Why should we just sit by while politicians manipulate us or is it just that we are manipulating ourselves? Where are all the protesters that rallied behind Ousmane Sonko? Do you know who [Pastef] they appointed? The educated people. Ask yourself about your qualifications before you join protests. Ask yourself what will I become if a government is toppled [in demonstrations]. Ask yourself, you have the answer,” said Baba Leigh.
According to Imam Leigh, some Gambians have claimed to have formed a political party called PASTEF-Gambia. “Why didn’t you form yours before others did? They are calling for demonstrations i.e to break and destroy. I know demonstrations better than anyone demonstrating. Five years ago, I was demonstrating in Washington in front of the embassies, White House, everywhere,” stated Baba Leigh.
Despite falling short of naming names, Imam Leigh hinted that GALA is unenlightened about democracy.
“This group of young people is unenlightened about democracy. They said they do not need a permit. Yes, you do not need a permit but you can take permission. You [the protesters] need security. When we wanted to protest in America, we used to take our request for a permit to the White House and three days later, we would be contacted about the reason for the protest request, proposed protest venue and they may disagree with our proposed date and time and would give us alternatives. They did not ban protests,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Imam Leigh wants The Gambia government to make street protests laborious.
“In America if you protest, you march and you end the protest when it’s time to or they will bundle you up and whisk you away. I am appealing to the government of The Gambia to adopt a similar approach,” he stated, adding: “Demonstration is not easy. Those of us who used to protest under temperatures below 20 knew this fact all too well. If you stay long in the streets, you experience leg cramps and you go to protests without taking your breakfast. Demonstration is not easy at all. Let anyone, who wants to embark on a street protest, protest. Just allow them to march from Westfield to Denton Bridge and there and then, they will know fully well that demonstration is not a child’s play. After all, street protest is a right guaranteed to everyone but you will never see in the streets the children or younger siblings of those that you’re protesting for. So, why should we just sit by while politicians manipulate us or is it just that we are manipulating ourselves?”
The Kanifing South Imam highlighted the issue of possible infiltration during demonstrations.
“While the intention [for the protest] may be good, the protesters could be infiltrated. Someone can join just to break into shops and I swear, if the army sees anyone breaking into shops during protests, the outcome will not be desirable. Do not destroy our country. I just returned from India three days ago but Gambia is second to none. We have good weather, the water is potable and whoever works here will earn, except you don’t want to work,” he maintained.
