The Gambia’s transition from dictatorship to democracy stands as an inspiring symbol of hope and resilience. The peaceful ousting of Yahya Jammeh’s oppressive regime showcased the power of citizens uniting to reclaim their voices and assert their democratic rights. 

However, democracy is not merely a destination; it demands continual engagement, vigilance, and unwavering commitment to its core principles. Today, The Gambia confronts a new and insidious threat to its hard-won progress—the rise of fifth columnists.

Fifth columnists are individuals or groups who operate secretly within a nation, organisation, or institution to sabotage and destabilise it, often serving the interests of external adversaries. 

They employ various subversive tactics, including espionage, sabotage, propaganda, and misinformation campaigns, with the ultimate goal of undermining the very foundation of their target. 

Their covert operations, both online and offline, are designed to incite public outrage, deepen societal divisions, foment ethnic or ideological tensions, and erode trust in democratic institutions.

In The Gambia, the term “fifth columnist” has increasingly become a rallying cry, signaling a growing awareness of the internal threats facing the nation’s emerging democracy. 

These subversive actors exploit weaknesses within the system to advance their own agendas, often using strategies that incite toxic populism, disseminate falsehoods, and manipulate public sentiment. 

The consequences of their actions can be politically devastating, sowing discord and paving the way for regime instability and potential upheaval. Their methods are not just damaging; they are a harbinger of significant societal and political turmoil.

The phrase “fifth column” has its roots in the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939), when Nationalist General Emilio Mola infamously declared that, as his four columns of troops marched toward Madrid, a “fifth column” of insurgents and sympathizers within the city would rise to support them. 

Although the actual impact of these insurgents remains debated, the term has since become synonymous with internal betrayal and the peril of subversion from within. Throughout history, the concept of a fifth column has been applied to various political and social contexts. 

During World War II, fears of infiltration led to widespread paranoia and, tragically, unjust persecution, as seen in the internment of Japanese Americans in the U.S.

Today, the term has evolved to encompass a new reality, highlighting internal threats within politics, governance, and even the corporate sector. In the digital age, fifth columnists extend their reach beyond physical infiltration; they navigate the online realm, harnessing the power of social media and digital platforms to disseminate disinformation, sow discord, and undermine established institutions. 

In The Gambia, we witness this phenomenon manifesting through unverified reports and anonymous articles crafted to incite public fury and delegitimise credible institutions. The motivations behind these efforts are evident—destabilisation and exploitation for political or ideological gain.

Cloaked in the guise of activism or journalism, fifth columnists exploit the trust of the public and the freedoms safeguarded by democracy. Their true aim is not to promote the common good; rather, they seek to serve hidden agendas aligned with personal or political ambitions. 

By spreading false narratives and igniting division, they erode public confidence in the very institutions that uphold democracy. This calculated chaos creates a fertile ground for instability, undermining the democratic progress that Gambians have strived to achieve. 

It is imperative that the citizens of The Gambia remain vigilant and united against this new threat. The survival of democracy depends on our collective resolve to stand against those who seek to undermine it. 

Together, we must protect the hard-fought gains of our democratic journey and ensure that the spirit of resilience and hope continues to shine brightly in our nation.

Figures like George Christensen and Swaebou Conateh, along with other dedicated independent journalists, stand as exemplars of integrity in the ongoing fight for democracy. Christensen’s fearless reporting during critical moments, such as the April 2000 student demonstrations, and Conateh’s steadfast commitment to the truth serve as powerful reminders of the essential role that genuine journalism plays in unifying society. 

Their legacies starkly contrast with those of fifth columnists—individuals who betray the foundational trust that journalism and activism are meant to uphold.

In our digital age, the reach and impact of these fifth columnists have expanded exponentially. They adeptly harness social media and online platforms to disseminate disinformation on a staggering scale. 

Anonymous articles and unverified stories spread rapidly, igniting public outrage and deepening ethnic and political divisions. These are not mere side effects of political discourse; they are deliberate efforts to distort public perception and destabilize governance.

Modern democracies are grappling with severe security threats—misinformation, political subversion, and social unrest—that often reflect the manipulative tactics of fifth column activities. These crises rarely occur by chance; they are orchestrated by unseen actors who exploit situations for their political advantage. 

In The Gambia, this alarming trend is increasingly clear, as the rampant spread of unverified information and incendiary rhetoric erodes national unity and undermines trust in our leaders.

Fifth columnists systematically exploit the weaknesses of digital platforms, amplifying their divisive narratives and distorting public discourse. 

Their strategies not only undermine confidence in democratic institutions but also erode the very foundations of our society, making our institutions more vulnerable to collapse. 

Such actions pose a grave threat to the hard-won progress in democracy, press freedom, and social cohesion that we have strived to achieve.

For Gambians, this presents a critical and urgent challenge: how do we safeguard our democracy from those who seek to exploit it? The answer lies in vigilance and accountability. We must question the motives of those who claim to champion our causes. 

True activists and journalists stand firm on the principles of truth, justice, and societal advancement, while fifth columnists forsake these ideals, using them merely as a disguise for their subversive agendas. 

The rise of the fifth columnist in The Gambia is a sobering reminder of how fragile our democratic progress can be. 

To protect our democracy and ensure social cohesion, we must remain resolute against these internal threats. 

Identifying their tactics and exposing their motives are crucial steps in diminishing their influence. As a nation, we must reaffirm our steadfast commitment to transparency and accountability, along with the values that sustain our democracy.

Let us truly “beware the Ides of March.” This phrase serves not only as a historical cautionary reminder but as a clarion call to action—an urgent plea to defend the hard-won successes of our democratic journey. 

This is a defining moment for The Gambia. The freedoms and rights we have gained after enduring years of oppression must not be wasted; they must be fiercely protected.

By uniting against fifth columnists and recommitting ourselves to the principles of democracy, we can secure a brighter future. Let this be a rallying cry for all Gambians—a powerful acknowledgment that the work of democracy is never complete and that its protection demands our collective responsibility.

By Alagi Yorro Jallow