On this day, May 25, every year has been set apart to reflect on the liberation struggle that culminated in the emancipation of many countries across this great and wealthy continent, Africa. As we bask in the bastion of this our God given resource rich continent, we should take some time to reflect on this day and ascertain what it really means for AFRICA.

Africa Freedom Day! On this day, Africans are allowed to pretend to be free. As we march around a shackled statue, our minds tired of fighting for basic needs and basic rights, this day provides a brief escape from the harsh realities of life and the poverty that awaits us. Africa Freedom Day celebrations are meaningless if only dimwits are the only dancers allowed to celebrate!

This day was dedicated by our founding fathers for the total liberation of Africa from colonialism. A day that is directly attributed to Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and the many other founding fathers such as Leopold Sedar Senghor, Kenneth Kaunda, Sir Dawda Jawara, Julius Nyerere, Ben Bella, Sekou Touré and many others who saw a cause to have a liberated Africa that would thrive on freedom of expression and the liberty that comes as a result of having self-governance on the continent of Africa and beyond.

Many countries on the continent today stand tall and appreciate the fact that they won their independence from colonialism. Today, all African countries can sing with pride as they are no longer under the depressing yoke of colonialism.

The bigger question is how shall we celebrate Africa Freedom Day, proud and free when our own children are graduating from the finest schools in Africa and abroad only to be welcomed into the ever-increasing queue of the unemployed? How do we liken ourselves to a noble eagle in its flight when we are taking away opportunities from our children?

Fifty-four years after independence the country has failed to produce a single millionaire when countries within the region continue to churn out millionaires in numbers. After these many years of independence this nation continues to rely on tourism as a wasting asset, as its own economic mainstay and the subject of economic diversification is only heard of in the corridors of power when global economic crisis has significantly impacted tourism, causing a decline in international tourists’ arrivals and international tourism revenues crushes.

Today, the Gambia’s productive capability has reduced to less than a third of where it was in decades besides having more graduates and a population of 2 million. Fifty-four years after independence, the Gambia continues to be a dumping ground for cheap and in some instances dangerous products the bulk of which fall short of the minimum threshold of acceptable global standards.

To all well-meaning Gambians, as we celebrate Africa Freedom Day this year, we should take the challenge to reflect on the many inadequacies that we have had to grapple with as a nation and make a resolve not to stand by the fence and watch while the country continues to degenerate.

We should call upon everyone to be the change agent that is going to bring about the required change to set back the Gambia on the course of economic freedom and emancipation; be a part of the team that will resolve to transform the Gambia. The hope and future of this great nation lies squarely in our collective energy, wisdom and zeal to make this nation a better place to live in not just for our children but for our children’s children to the fourth generation.

This year’s celebrations should culminate in everyone making a resolve to participate in civism as they lead the next wave of change that will usher in an accountable leadership through the ballot so we can have a responsible leadership and take away “caretaker leadership” that continues to pillage the Gambia’s wealth with impunity.

God Bless Gambia, God Bless Africa and Happy Africa Freedom Day.

By Alagi Yorro Jallow