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The call from the civil society to an error in politics

22. August 2020 – Gambia is facing many problems during the global pandemic. In an letter to Adama Barrow and the government, civil society formations and health care workers are criticising the role of the president and his government and demanding, amongst others things, protection equipment for healthcare workers and drugs for treatment facilities.

At least seven prominent civil society organizations had penned an open letter to Adama Barrow on Friday 7 August 2020, urging him “to show leadership” at a time when the populace is experiencing a pandemic, which has brought untold misery, destruction of lives and livelihoods to hundreds of thousands. This is further compounded with runaway infection rates, a broken health system and a devastated economy.

The CSOs urge the President to appear before the nation and give an account as to the next steps to be taken by government in dealing with this stage of the pandemic. Barrow, who had not been seen in public for almost one month, even though he is said to have tested negative for COVID-19, but was self-isolating. COVID-19 cases have since surged massively since July. 

At least two hundred healthcare workers have been infected, and there is still an uptick of Covid-19 among healthcare workers. The infections, and possibly the deaths, could have been prevented had the staff been adequately protected, and had the working conditions been conducive to shield them from fatigue, and unnecessary exposure in the line of duty. It is reported that more than 20% of the doctors have been infected. Gambia has about 200 doctors. Gambia’s health system is on the brink of collapse.

But the Government denies its wrong-doings. “President Adama Barrow’s deputy political adviser has lambasted civil society organisations for their “insensitive comments” against the Gambian leader”, a report by The Standard tells. Instead of admitting the mistakes in the management of the health-crisis, Dou Sanno is demanding from the civil society not to criticise (wrong) politics:

“I want to advise civil society to stop abusing the democratic space. They should also be fair and stop being one-sided in their criticisms. It is disappointing that they only direct their criticism to the president.”

An activists response is educating Dou Sanno about the role of CSOs and activists:

“First of all, let me put it to Dou that in the wake of the Corona various, CSOs and activists were the first to launch public sensitization as well as provision of hand sanitizers and hand washing materials to members of the general public. Well before President Barrow issued his first state of public emergency on 18 March 2020, it was CSOs and activists who rushed to social media asking the Government to close the borders. Today every and any good action that this Government does right one will find that CSOs and activists have already advised them to do so but they refused until it is too late.”

On Friday, 14th of August Barrow followed “mounting calls by opposition parties and civil society groups for him to speak to the nation as it faces its worst health crisis in living memory” (Gambiana). The presidents talk contains nothing new, beside information about new preventive and repressive measures – which were already changed by now. The president urged the people to follow the introductions given by experts and the law, to slow down the spread of the virus. Some excerpts from Barrow’s address to the people:

“Health Experts have suggested that these numbers can be minimised if we work together as a people; that is, as government authorities, experts, frontline personnel, household members and individuals. (…) In one way or another, we are all affected by the global Coronavirus pandemic.” (…)
“It is obvious that we will make a positive difference towards the development of our country if we value the time we spend and do good. Importantly too, we can maintain peace and stability in the country, if we are honest, truthful and sincere, and treat everyone as an equal. That is why my government chooses dialogue and observing the rule of law, noting that The Gambia belongs to all of us. Through dialogue and respect for each other, we can achieve our development aspirations.” (…)
“While Civic Education groups and the media sensitise the public, families, neighbours and friends have the civic and moral obligation to enlighten one another on the messages from the experts, the regulations and their implications.”

Up till today President Barrow never responded to the personal addresses directed to him as responsible head of state. Contrary to his word, Barrow promised help for the people, but the people cannot wait for his dummy instruction. At once corruption is growing as prices skyrocket and there is no income for many. How can they follow the introductions given by experts and the law? Many people have to go out to cover their needs.

“Self-isolation cannot be an excuse for inaction, and [being] missing in action. There is technology that can be used to communicate; in fact, that is now the norm, given the circumstances. Aside from the health crisis, we are now faced with an economic; political; social; and possible security crisis. Barrow has not shown, nor taken any initiative to even attempt to take the country into his confidence and this attitude is no longer tolerable”, one of the campaigners said in the press release form 11th of August.

Still many businesses are running, but almost everybody is affected by the side-effects of Covid-19. The economy has taken a battering, as the unemployment rate in the seasonal sectors, like the hospitality industry, and other mainstream sectors like small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been shaken to the core. Lives and livelihoods have been destroyed, as poverty rates have spiraled out of control.

“We feel that the state of emergency is being politicised. We believe failure to follow health guide lines is responsible for the surge in Covid-19 cases. A law should be respected by everyone or else it will be useless,” the Manding Network Association, formed to tackle the issues of tribalism, said to Gambiana.

Without giving the people any answer on: how to survive, the government continued to shut down the country. Further 90 days of state of public emergency was imposed: Worship places, schools and non-essential public places are closed. Public gatherings are prohibited and the wearing of face masks compulsory. A proclamation closing the country’s borders and airspace amid a rise in coronavirus cases was announced on 5th of August. A night curfew for 21 days from 10pm to 5am, starting Thursday 6th of August, is currently in effect.

The public state of emergency might help to slow down the spread of Covid-19. At the same time it increases the problems of everyday living. What to do?

Urgent action is needed to solve the problems of the people. Urgent action is needed to strengthen the healthcare system. Urgent action is needed to equip healthcare workers with essential protection equipment and knowledge on how to cope with the pandemic. Necessary medication should be available at treatment facilities. And last but not least: Resources should be provided transparently.

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Sources:

This article is based on the press release from Civil Society Organisations from August 11, 2020, updated and supplemented with information from several media reports.

The statements from the CSOs:

The response by the President:

Recommended readings:

Posted in Sensitization.

By peoplescollective – 22. August 2020

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