As The Gambia prepares to mark 60 years of independence, Momodou Cadi Cham, the last surviving member of the delegation that negotiated independence in 1964, has urged the country’s leaders to recognize that their time in office is temporary and to govern with integrity.
Cham expressed concern that many leaders fail to acknowledge the efforts of those who laid the foundation for the nation. He emphasized the importance of honoring figures like Reverend JC Faye and IM Garba Jahumpa, who played key roles in securing independence but are often overlooked in official commemorations.
Reflecting on the country’s path to independence, Cham noted that unlike many former British colonies, The Gambia’s negotiations were relatively smooth due to the absence of deep tribal, regional, or religious divisions among political groups. However, disagreements arose over the country’s governance system. While some leaders pushed for an immediate transition to a republic, Cham’s party, the United Party (UP), advocated for a constitutional monarchy with the British monarch as a symbolic head of state. This led to a requirement for a referendum before adopting a republican system, delaying the transition until 1970.
Cham argued that The Gambia was not economically or militarily ready for full independence at the time, relying on British financial support for years after. He credited the country’s stability to strong relations with Senegal, which helped The Gambia navigate its early years without major security challenges.
Having later joined the ruling party and served as a minister, Cham reflected on how independence reshaped relations between The Gambia and Senegal, fostering closer ties in trade and governance. He emphasized the need for today’s leaders to learn from history and ensure that the contributions of past generations are properly recognized.
