By Haddy Touray
Leader of the Gambia Action Party (GAP), Musa Yali Bachilly, has warned that The Gambia risks sliding further into what he described as moral and political decay unless urgent and decisive measures are taken to address governance and social challenges.
In an exclusive interview with The Voice, Bachilly says the country is facing multiple challenges, including misgovernance, corruption, negligence and abuse of office which according to him, continue to undermine public trust and weaken state institutions.
He argues that such systemic failures are hindering national progress and contributing to the rise of social vices.
“The Gambia today is facing multitude of challenges such as misgovernance, corruption, negligence, and abuse of office. These have resulted in recurring setbacks that continue to erode public trust and weaken institutions,” he said.
“These systemic failures not only hinder national progress but also create fertile ground for social vices to flourish,” he added.
Bachilly says GAP is deeply concerned about the current direction of the country, warning that without decisive intervention, the nation could face further deterioration.
“The Gambia Action Party under my leadership has expressed deep concern about the trajectory of the nation. We are warning that without decisive action the country risks sliding further into moral and political decay,” he reiterated.
He also raised concerns about the influence of social media on young people, saying exposure to explicit online content was contributing to harmful behavioral trends among youth.
He said this development was affecting traditional values and exposing vulnerable young people to “dangerous experimentation with behaviors conflicting with cultural and religious norms.”
GAP, he adds, considers the trend a setback that undermines moral and religious values, urging government to strengthen laws aimed at protecting young people from harmful online content.
Bachilly further called on religious leaders to play a more active role in addressing moral issues, saying their influence was critical in guiding society.
“Religious leaders, too, have a critical role to play in this struggle. Their voices carry moral authority, and GAP urges them to preach consistently against practices that threaten the moral and spiritual wellbeing of society,” he said.
He stressed that cooperation between political and religious institutions was necessary to restore ethical values and discipline in society.
Bachilly also proposed policy measures including restricting mobile phone access for children under 18, describing it as a protective step against harmful online influences.
“Combined with stronger governance, harsher penalties for misconduct, and active involvement of religious leaders, this approach could help redirect The Gambia toward a path of renewal,” he said.
He called for urgent action, warning that delays could make the situation irreversible.