Momodou Sabally, a presidential adviser, has accused lawyer and politician Essa Faal of having an egocentric mindset that blinds him to the growing happiness of Gambians under President Adama Barrow’s leadership.

In an open letter, Sabally dismissed Faal’s recent claims that “no one in the country is truly happy”, calling them a projection of his personal dissatisfaction.

He highlighted the “happiness revolution” taking root across The Gambia, pointing to the overwhelming public support witnessed during the president’s recent “Meet the People” tour.

He cited the turnout in Niamina, where residents displayed a banner reading, “The Youths are Happy,” as a testament to the nation’s optimism.

“The manifestation of happiness among the people of this smiling coast was displayed during the most successful Meet the People tour,” Sabally wrote, adding that real Gambians came out in droves to express their gratitude for Barrow’s achievements in socio-economic development, democracy, and respect for human rights.

He accused Faal of harboring a deep-seated resentment over his political failures, suggesting that his criticisms stem from personal bitterness rather than a genuine concern for the nation.

“The problem with Essa is that he has elevated his reality to the universal, believing it to encompass every sentient soul,” he wrote.

He argued that Faal’s discontent reflects a broader psychological struggle, rooted in narcissism and a failure to connect with the spiritual and emotional well-being of the nation.

“Let Essa Faal know that the concept of happiness has been etched into the sacred scrolls of the modern world,” he wrote, drawing a contrast between Jefferson’s philosophical legacy and what he called Faal’s opportunistic political ambitions.

“Even when these youths are singing, Essa believes they are not happy because he is miserable in his posh house, feeling that the country has denied him his ‘birthright’ of being president,” he wrote.

He described Faal’s criticisms as “psychological malady,” adding  “such people can never taste the blessing of happiness because their egocentric narcissistic malady has created a wedge between them and the source.”

By Adama Makasuba