Madi Jobarteh, Executive Director of the Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice, has accused the government of President Adama Barrow of failing to enforce discipline and respect for the law, arguing that the situation has contributed to what he described as widespread lawlessness in The Gambia.

Speaking exclusively to Gambiana, Jobarteh criticised what he described as arrogance, misconduct and indiscipline within the public sector, saying the problem extends beyond government institutions and is increasingly visible in communities across the country.

“The arrogance and the misconduct, the discipline in the public sector is beyond imagination,” Jobarteh said.

He went further to describe the government as “a lawless government”, arguing that poor adherence to laws and regulations at the highest level of government has consequences for society.

“This country, this government is a lawless government. And this is precisely why lawlessness is widespread in this country,” he said.

Jobarteh pointed to what he described as everyday examples of indiscipline in communities, including improper disposal of waste and people placing materials such as gravel and sand along roads and in front of their homes without regard for public spaces.

“Walk around our communities, people throw things everywhere,” he said.

He argued that such behaviour reflects a broader breakdown in respect for rules and public order.

Jobarteh also criticised what he described as poor discipline among some public sector workers, alleging that some employees report to work at irregular times and leave whenever they choose.

“People go to work any time. They close any time,” he said.

He further raised concerns about activities that contribute to traffic congestion, saying motorists and members of the public often engage in practices that obstruct roads and make movement more difficult.

According to Jobarteh, these examples demonstrate what he sees as a wider culture of disregard for rules and regulations.
“Complete lawlessness is what is in this society,” he said.

The human rights campaigner linked what he described as the growing culture of lawlessness directly to political leadership, arguing that citizens are likely to disregard laws when they believe those in authority are not respecting them.

He specifically blamed President Adama Barrow for what he considers a failure to uphold the rule of law.

“That is because we have a president who doesn’t care about the law,” Jobarteh said.

His comments come amid continuing public debate over governance, accountability, discipline within public institutions and respect for the rule of law in The Gambia.

Jobarteh argued that effective leadership should not be judged primarily by personal appeal or appearance, but by a leader’s commitment to enforcing laws and maintaining discipline across government and society.

“We don’t need a handsome president,” he said.

He maintained that what The Gambia needs is leadership that respects the law and ensures that public institutions and citizens alike are held accountable for their actions.

By Adama Makasuba

Watch the full Interview with Madi Jobarteh on Gambiana’s YouTube channel