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OPINION
By Tombong Saidy
The recent decision by the Office of the Governor of the Central River Region to “retire” Mr. Baboucarr Nyang as Alkalo of Nyangen Village is deeply troubling, politically motivated, and a dangerous abuse of state authority.
According to the letter issued on May 20, 2026, the reason given for his removal is that he allegedly does not reside in Nyangen Village, contrary to Section 143(1)(b) of the Local Government Act 2002. This claim is not only false, but also insulting to the intelligence of Gambians who know the history of Nyangen and the Nyang family.
Alkalo Baboucarr Nyang’s fixed residence is Nyangen. His roots are in Nyangen. His great-grandfather founded the village. He is part of the very foundation and identity of that community. The fact that he has a second wife residing in Janjangbureh, whom he visits regularly, does not suddenly make him a non-resident of Nyangen. Many Gambians have family homes in different places and move between them while maintaining their principal residence and responsibilities.
Let us call this what it truly is: political persecution disguised as administrative action.
The real reason behind this shameful decision is the political affiliation of his son, Mr. Mbye Nyang, who serves as the Niani Constituency Chairman of the UMC. Because the Nyang family is associated with the opposition, supporters of President Adama Barrow and the NPP within the local administration are now weaponizing the law to intimidate and punish them.
This is unacceptable in a democratic society.
Every Gambian has the constitutional right to support any political party of their choice without fear of retaliation from the state. Punishing an Alkalo because his son belongs to the opposition is not governance; it is political victimization.
What makes this situation even more disturbing is the growing pattern of intolerance and desperation emerging from the NPP as the popularity of Mayor Talib Bensouda and the UMC continues to rise across the country. Instead of engaging citizens politically and democratically, some officials are resorting to intimidation tactics and misuse of public office.
Traditional leaders should never be reduced to pawns in partisan politics.
Alkalolu are custodians of culture, community stability, and local leadership. Traditionally, they step aside voluntarily because of age, illness, or personal reasons — not because political authorities are uncomfortable with the views or affiliations of their family members.
The people of Nyangen know who their Alkalo is. They know where he lives. They know his service and contribution to the village. No politically engineered letter can erase that reality.
This action should concern every Gambian who believes in democracy, justice, and fairness. Today it is Baboucarr Nyang. Tomorrow it could be any citizen who dares to associate with the opposition.
The misuse of state institutions for partisan purposes undermines democracy and weakens public trust in governance. Those responsible for this injustice must be held accountable, and this politically motivated decision should be reversed immediately.
