Being the smallest country in West Africa, the Gambia now has the unenviable record of having the largest number of sacked officials in the public service. These included Cabinet Ministers, Secretary-Generals, Permanent Secretaries, Managing Directors, High Court Judges, Magistrates, Journalists, Speakers of Parliament, National Assembly members, Heads of Security Agencies, University lecturers, and a plethora of other top executives working in and outside the Gambia. Even Heads of religious bodies (Imams for local mosques) as well as those working in Non-Governmental organizations outside of government’s aegis, had some of their staff sacked unceremoniously. The firing, hiring and recycling of public servants have become a sine qua non in the working lives of Gambians. This begs the question whether we are having square pegs in round holes or are we seeing the results of a bitterly divided society riddled with contentious rivalries fighting for money and privileged positions.

The chasm in our society is no longer between tribes and religion, but between colleagues and families. People no longer trust each other and infighting is already eating up the very fabric of togetherness that took our ancestors years to build. Gambia is today one of the most divided country in the continent. There are countries in Africa with over twenty tribes but are closely united towards a common goal. The reality of our divisiveness exists in the markets, hospitals, schools, government departments, public enterprises, the judiciary (of all places), religious bodies and most recently in the University of the Gambia where thousands of students being groomed for possible leaders of tomorrow.

In a society where the development and economic prospects of individuals depend on how best one can spread lies, half-truths and innuendos, prolonged infighting will continue to wreak havoc in our lives. Individuals should be allowed to rise to the level justified by their competence and not how best they can manufacture lies. Recent medical reports have indicated the nexus between the endless sacking of public officials and the rise in stress-related diseases such as hypertension. The only places in the Gambia today where infighting is non-existent are in the cemeteries- dead people do not fight each other but must individually account for all the evil things done on innocent people. Money and Power are not the only good things in lives. Its time to have a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to bring back those ancient values of sharing, caring, and living together. Our frictions will only benefit one person's addiction to power while we continue to squabble over nothing. Wake up Gambians and end the scramble for money and top posts. Please stop the bitter infighting.

Ngary Sowe aka BB Darboe, North Carolina