Gambia: The Mighty ‘Bai Faal’ Have Finally Fallen From Grace

Sonko, photo source: Foroyaa

The past week has shown a dramatic and a rather unexpected turn of events in the Gambia government. The Minister of Interior - Mr. Ousman Sonko, one of the longest serving cabinet official in the country have been terminated and replaced by a serving officer in the Gambia Armed Forces - Mr. Momodou Alieu (MA) Bah who was once sentenced to 25 years in prison for allegedly taking part in a coup plot in 2006 and later release on a presidential pardon in 2009. Sonko’s dismissal was aired on GRTS on Saturday 17th September, 2016 (unofficial working day) according to Foroyaa.

A self-proclaimed ‘Bai Faal’ (disciple) to his now ex-boss, Mr. Sonko have held the interior portfolio for the second time since 2012. He was first assigned the post in November 2006 and removed in February 2012, only to be reinstated three months later. Overall, he served for a combined period of 10 years making him seem untouchable in a cabinet where ‘hire and fire’ is as rife as the corruption embedded within.

It is widely reported that Ousman Sonko is seeking asylum in Sweden at the moment making one to wonder how on earth can that be possible. He is said to have arrived in Sweden on Tuesday 20th September via Senegal. Another episode that severely undermines the security situation in the country. How can a high ranking government official be terminated on a Saturday and reached a destination as far as Sweden within two days - only in The Gambia!

Talking of security, where are we heading Gambia? Barely two months to the most crucial elections, the most important ministry in terms of security is now occupied by a complete novice in government affairs. As far as I can remember, the Gambia was in military rule for just two years (1994 - 1996). So how an active army officer be elevated to a ministry portfolio in a civilian government is certainly beyond my comprehension.

For Ousman Sonko, as it is often said, surely ‘what goes around, comes around!’ Am pretty sure you never saw this coming when you proudly declared yourself a ‘Bai Faal.’ Notwithstanding though, we humbly welcome you to the real world, the world of ‘have-nots’ which is very different from the elite status you used to enjoy over the years. I must warn you though, it is really tough out there especially for a controversial character like yourself. So be fully prepared to reap what you sow!